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Stratiform Cloud Processes and Precipitation

In the IFS Stratiform (or Large-scale) Cloud scheme there are five prognostic cloud variables plus water vapour (yellow boxes in Fig2.1.225.3-1) and the modelling of changes of state or precipitation development is represented by various microphysical processes.  The large scale water process is the development of precipitation in the stratiform cloud scheme.  Separate cloud ice and cloud water variables allow the representation of supercooled liquid water and mixed-phase processes, commonly observed in clouds.  All cloud and precipitation variables are advected by the wind.

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The descent of stratiform precipitation follows a pathway according to IFS wind speeds and particulate fallspeedsfall-speeds, so rain and snow precipitation particles can transfer between grid boxes as they descend in the IFS.  This "precipitation drift" is much more pronounced for snow because it has a much slower fallspeed fall-speed than rain.

Convective precipitation is not treated in the same way (see convective cloud process and precipitation).

 Fig2.1.5.223-1:  Schematic of processes and interactions within the Stratiform Cloud Scheme.  Note: Precipitation is only produced as rain or snow.  Precipitation from stratiform cloud is referred to as "large-scale" precipitation.

Additional Sources of Information

(Note: In older material there may be references to issues that have subsequently been addressed)

• See more information on considerations when interpreting large scale precipitation.
• Read more on clouds and stratiform precipitation in the atmospheric physics page (scroll to "Clouds and Stratiform Precipitation").
• Watch a comprehensive lecture on model clouds and precipitation.
• View the ECMWF eLearning module on cloud and precipitation parameterisation 1 (Overview and warm phase microphysics).
• View the ECMWF eLearning module on cloud and precipitation parameterisation 2 (ice and mixed phase microphysics).