Physics Commons^™

Pentagonal Pdte2 Monolayer For Sustainable Solar-Driven Hydrogen Production, Narender Kumar, Shambhu Bhandari, Dario Alfè, Ravindra Pandey, Nacir Tit

Michigan Tech Publications

This investigation demonstrates that the pentagonal PdTe2 (penta-PdTe2) monolayer is a highly tunable two-dimensional (2D) photocatalyst, characterized by the bandgap of 1.87 eV and high hole mobility. Using density functional theory calculations with the HSE06 functional, we show that tensile strain engineering (particularly at +2% and +3%) is essential for enabling spontaneous water splitting. At these strain values, the valence-band maximum and conduction-band maximum straddle the water redox potentials (H+/H2 and O2/H2O) under both acidic (pH = 0) and neutral (pH = 7) conditions. The monolayer's low hole effective mass facilitates rapid charge extraction, mitigating recombination and driving the oxygen …

Long-Term Monitoring Of The Optical Performance Of The Primary Mirrors At The Coihueco And Loma Amarilla Sites Of The Pierre Auger Observatory, A. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, M. Aglietta, M. Ahmed, I. Allekotte, K. Almeida Cheminant, B. Fick, K. Nguyen, D. Nitz, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

This paper presents the results of an optical performance monitoring campaign for the primary mirrors installed in fluorescence telescopes at the Coihueco and Loma Amarilla sites at the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina. Since the end of 2003, this effort has developed into a unique long-term dataset that addresses the performance of the primary mirrors. We have focused on the scattering characteristics and specular reflectance of mirror segments, as well as their evolution over several years of operation. Despite being housed in climate-controlled buildings, dust accumulation, impurities, and natural aging — such as oxidation or other chemical or physical degradation …

Using Galex Uv Excess To Search For Metal-Poor Halo Stars, Chase L. Smith, Maxwell Moe, Megan Frank, Raven Cilley, Javier Fregoso, Alexander Gleason, Grace Nelson, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Metal-poor solar-type stars display a significant reduction in metal-line blanketing at short wavelengths, leading to an excess of near-ultraviolet (NUV) flux compared to their metal-rich counterparts. We utilize Galaxy Evolution Explorer Satellite (GALEX) NUV and Gaia DR3 photometry along with ground-based spectroscopy to establish a correlation between NUV excess and [Fe/H]. We construct a sample of 492 solar-type (F5-G9) halo stars with NUV excess and measured metallicities. We perform our own observations with the KOSMOS spectrograph at Apache Point Observatory’s 3.5 m telescope to measure the abundances of 13 halo stars, 11 of which did not have previous metallicity measurements. …

Detectability Of Polarized Γ-Ray Emission From Blazar Flares With Cosi, Garrett A. Latiolais, Jorge Otero-Santos, Michela Negro, Lea Marcotulli, Mohammad Ali Boroumand, Savitri Gallego, Tiffany Lewis, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

We investigate the detectability of polarized γ-ray emission from blazar flares with the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI). Using 17 yr of Fermi Large Area Telescope observations, we analyze light curves for 1413 blazars and identify a maximum of 787 sources with flaring episodes through Bayesian block analysis. For each flare, we estimate the minimum detectable polarization (MDP99%) in the COSI energy band (0.2–5 MeV) using instrument response functions under a range of spectral assumptions and background conditions. Under baseline background levels (1 count s⁻¹) and assuming that blazar flare statistics in the MeV band are comparable to …

Constraints On Axion-Like Particles From Ultra-High-Energy Observations Of M87 With The Hawc Observatory, R. Alfaro, C. Alvarez, A. Andrés, E. Anita-Rangel, M. Araya, J. C. Arteaga-Velázquez, N. Ghosh, M. Najafi, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

In this work, we perform an indirect search for axion-like particles (ALPs) through their hypothesized mixing with photons in the presence of magnetic fields. ALPs are a well-motivated dark-matter candidate class, and the photon-ALP conversion mechanism provides a unique channel to constrain their mass and coupling constant using very-high-energy gamma-ray observations. The photon-ALP mixing could alter the observed gamma-ray spectrum from extragalactic sources by effectively reducing the apparent attenuation due to extragalactic-background-light absorption. We analyze 7.5 years of data from the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory, targeting the nearby radio galaxy M87. This source is located within the Virgo …

Spectro-Polarimetric Observations Of Tev Sources (Spots): First Results, Joleen Barnard, B. Van Soelen, I. P. Van Der Westhuizen, M. Böttcher, A. Martin-Carrillo, H. M. Schutte, S. Van Der Merwe, M. Zacharias

Michigan Tech Publications

Blazars are jetted active galactic nuclei, with the jet aligned along the observer’s line of sight. Their spectral energy distributions are dominated by non-thermal emission, with an underlying thermal component at optical/ultraviolet wavelengths. However, the underlying jet magnetic field structure and particle acceleration mechanisms requirements for the non-thermal emission are still under debate. Polarization measurements can provide critical insights, and we investigate the optical polarization properties of TeV-emitting blazars using long-term optical monitoring. We present results from the first 21 months of the Spectro-Polarimetric Observations of TeV Sources campaign, using the Southern African Large Telescope, of 14 blazars. Overall, observations …

Theoretical Study Of Electronic Properties Of Functionalized Monolayers: Cu, Ag, Au, And Pt Atomic Wires On Graphene, H-Bn Monolayer, Silicene, And Phosphorene, Mythreyee T. Aasuri, Mukesh K. Choudhary, Narender Kumar, Ravindra Pandey

Michigan Tech Publications

The structural and electronic properties of graphene, h-BN monolayer, silicene, and phosphorene monolayers functionalized with Cu, Ag, Au, and Pt atomic wires were investigated using van der Waals─corrected density functional theory. These atomic wires form stable, functionalized monolayers that exhibit physisorption on planar monolayers and chemisorption on nonplanar ones. This results in either linear or bent configurations of the atomic wires, depending on the interface strength, leading to distinct electronic states. A weaker interface induces metal-induced gap states near the Fermi level, whereas a stronger interface results in covalently hybridized states farther from the Fermi level. Analysis of the electron …

Breathing Kagome Lattice-Based Nb3i8 Monolayer: Theoretical Insights Into Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis, Narender Kumar, Radha Somaiya, Ravindra Pandey, Nacir Tit

Michigan Tech Publications

Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising strategy for clean energy production, but its efficiency is restricted by poor light absorption, charge recombination, and slow reaction kinetics in photocatalytic materials. To address these challenges, a breathing Kagome lattice-based Nb3I8 monolayer is considered in the present study. Its photocatalytic performance is assessed via descriptors including the effective d-band center, spin-dependent carrier mobility, Gibbs free energy, and exchange-current density. The results based on density functional theory predict that the Nb3I8 monolayer is a type II magnetic semiconductor, with spin-up and spin-down bandgap energies of 1.06 and 1.77 eV, respectively. The application of biaxial …

Quantum Dot Solar Cells: Background, Progress, And Perspective, Kumar Neupane, Jeff Kabel, Join Uddin, Raksha Dubey, Rojina Ojha, Dongyan Zhang, Yoke Khin Yap

Michigan Tech Publications

The discovery of quantum dots (QDs) earned a Nobel Prize and has led to widespread applications in research and technology. In this review, we focus on the use of QDs in solid-state solar cells (QDSCs). We begin with an overview of the basic principles of SCs. Then, we discuss how device architecture has developed over recent decades, setting the stage for the final section on fourth-generation solar cells (Perspective section). We also highlight progress in material development, starting with lead- and cadmium-based QDs and progressing to more recent carbon- and perovskite-based QDs. Additionally, we review materials used for electron-transport layers …

A Model Intercomparison Study To Investigate Mixing Characteristics In Non-Precipitating Stratocumulus Clouds, Fan Yang, Kyoung Ock Choi, Kamal Kant Chandrakar, Fabian Hoffmann, Pei Hou, Steve Krueger, Chunsong Lu, Mikhail Ovchinnikov, Yangze Ren, Shin Ichiro Shima, Peng Wu, Chongzhi Yin, Zeen Zhu, Seong Soo Yum

Michigan Tech Publications

Recent aircraft observations of marine stratocumulus clouds consistently showed that cloud microphysical relationships vary with altitude, indicating inhomogeneous mixing characteristics near cloud top and homogeneous mixing characteristics in mid-levels of clouds. Here, we conduct model intercomparison of an idealized, non-precipitating stratocumulus cloud to evaluate model consistency and examine whether simulations can reproduce the observed mixing characteristics. The results show that eleven large-eddy simulations with various dynamics and microphysics schemes show good agreement on the thermodynamical, microphysical, and dynamical properties of the stratocumulus-topped boundary layer in a steady state. The inter-model spread in steady-state liquid water path is significantly reduced compared …

Evaluating The Collision-Coalescence Process In Idealized Cloud Convection Using Large-Eddy Simulations With Lagrangian Microphysics, Yangze Ren, Kamal Kant Chandrakar, Fan Yang, Raymond Shaw

Michigan Tech Publications

Drizzle initiation through the collision and coalescence of cloud droplets plays a crucial role in warm cloud precipitation. Recent theoretical studies suggest that the influence of collisional growth on the droplet size distribution can be quantified by a non‐dimensional drizzle number (Dz). Here, large‐eddy simulations with Lagrangian microphysics are employed to evaluate the theory by simulating a tall convection‐cloud chamber under various conditions. Results show that the smaller the Dz, the larger the impact of collisions on the right tail of the droplet size distribution, consistent with the theory. The simulations confirm that the collision rate can be estimated from …

Combined Dark Matter Search Towards Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies With Fermi-Lat, Hawc, H.E.S.S., Magic, And Veritas, S. Abdollahi, L. Baldini, R. Bellazzini, B. Berenji, E. Bissaldi, R. Bonino, X. Wang, R. Turner, P. Hüntemeyer, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) are excellent targets for indirect dark matter (DM) searches using gamma-ray telescopes because they are thought to have high DM content and a low astrophysical background. The sensitivity of these searches is improved by combining the observations of dSphs made by different gamma-ray telescopes. We present the results of a combined search by the most sensitive currently operating gamma-ray telescopes, namely: the satellite-borne Fermi-LAT telescope; the ground-based imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS; and the HAWC water Cherenkov detector. Individual datasets were analyzed using a common statistical approach. Results were subsequently combined via …

Search For Ultra-High-Energy Neutrons From Galactic Sources With The Pierre Auger Observatory, A. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, M. Aglietta, I. Allekotte, K. Almeida Cheminant, A. Almela, B. Fick, K. Nguyen, D. Nitz

Michigan Tech Publications

Deflections in the propagation of charged ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) caused by magnetic fields make the identification of their sources challenging. On the other hand, the arrival directions at Earth of neutrons point directly to their origin. The emission of UHECRs from a source is expected to be accompanied by the production of neutrons in its vicinity through interactions with ambient matter and radiation. Since free neutrons travel a mean distance d kpc−1 = 9.2 (E EeV−1) before decaying, a neutron flux in the EeV range could be detected on Earth from sources of UHECRs in our Galaxy. Using …

Interactions Between Air Pollution And Weather/Climate From Urban To Global Scales, Meng Gao, Xin Huang, Yucong Miao, Mengmeng Li, Claudio Mazzoleni

Michigan Tech Publications

Air pollution and meteorology are intricately linked. Weather modulates the formation, transport, and removal of pollutants, while aerosols and trace gases modify radiation balance, cloud microphysics, boundary-layer structure, and other factors. These two-way interactions span scales from urban to global and have important consequences. The papers collected in this special issue of Meteorological Applications examine how interactions between weather and pollution at various scales affect visibility, pollutant transport, crop yields, and other outcomes, collectively highlighting the crucial role of the interplay between air pollution and meteorology.

Non-Stokes Deposition Velocities Observed Under Rayleigh–Bénard Turbulence, Kristin Swartz-Schult, Andrew Grace, Andrew Bragg, Jesse C. Anderson, Will Cantrell, Robert Grosz, Hamed F. Sadi, Raymond Shaw, Swafuva Varappillikudy Sulaiman, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

The settling and deposition behavior of small particles significantly impacts many environmental and industrial processes. Although particle settling dynamics within turbulent environments have been extensively studied through theory and simulation, more experimental investigation is needed to test the idealized results against real-world turbulent flows. In this work, we infer the settling velocity of particles in Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) turbulence through the measurement of declines in particle concentration due to deposition within a (Formula presented.) convection chamber. Oil droplets from (Formula presented.) to (Formula presented.) and glass beads from (Formula presented.) to (Formula presented.) were used as the particle material, yielding Kolmogorov-based …

Νgan: A Deep Learning Emulator For Cosmic Web Simulations With Massive Neutrinos, Neerav Kaushal, Elena Giusarma, Mauricio Reyes

Michigan Tech Publications

Understanding the impact of neutrino masses on the evolution of the Universe is a central goal of modern cosmology. Due to their large free-streaming lengths, neutrinos significantly affect structure formation at nonlinear scales, requiring accurate theoretical predictions to fully exploit current and future galaxy surveys. However, generating such predictions through large ensembles of cosmological simulations is computationally expensive. In this work, we introduce a deep learning-based generative adversarial network, νGAN, to emulate the Universe across a range of neutrino masses from 0.0 to 1.2 eV. The generated 2D cosmic web maps are statistically independent, show no correlations with the training …

A Theoretical Investigation Of The Linear And Nonlinear Optical Responses Of Scandium- And Yttrium-Doped (Sub-Nm) Ag And Au Clusters, Munish Sharma, Mukesh Jakhar, Ravindra Pandey, Shashi P. Karna

Michigan Tech Publications

We investigate the linear and nonlinear optical properties of (sub-nm) Ag6 and Au6 clusters doped with Sc and Y using time-dependent density functional theory. Both parent clusters have D3h ground-state geometries but exhibit noticeably different electronic structures; scalar-relativistic corrections in Au6 induce significant s-d hybridization, resulting in larger HOMO-LUMO gaps and reduced one-photon absorption (OPA) cross-sections compared to Ag6. Two-photon absorption (TPA) peaks in the UV region show resonance enhancement via coupling with OPA-active states, with Ag6 having larger cross-sections than Au6. Doping with Sc and Y modifies the optical responses by breaking configurational symmetry and lifting HOMO degeneracies. ScAg5 …

Least Squares As Random Walks: The General Case Of Arbitrary Spacing, Daniel Kestner, Alexander Kostinski

Michigan Tech Publications

Recently, we introduced the notion of a random walk based on a discrete sequence of data samples ( data walk ) and discovered a surprising link between ordinary least squares (OLS) fits to evenly sampled data and random walks. Here we generalize earlier results by showing that the slope of a linear fit to data which annuls the net area under a residual data walk equals that found by OLS for irregularly spaced data sequence. We also discover a deep connection with the orthogonality principle of estimation theory, leading to interpretation of suitably defined scalar products of data vectors as …

Datasets For Response Of A Liquid Water Cloud To In Situ Hygroscopic Seeding, James Simmons

Michigan Tech Research Data

We have performed experiments in the Michigan Tech Pi Chamber to assess the response of a steady-state, liquid water cloud to in situ injection of a hygroscopic powder. Three materials were tested: jet-milled NaCl, a newly developed NaCl-TiO2 core-shell material, and Arizona test dust as a non-hygroscopic control. Injection of the hygroscopic materials resulted in an increase of the local liquid water content, stimulating formation of droplets up to 60 microns in diameter. Upon injection of the powders, the pre-existing cloud in the chamber collapsed.

Natural Protective Mechanisms Of Cucumis Callosus Leaves In Escherichia Species-Induced Urinary Tract Infection: An Integrated In Silico And In Vivo Study, Meenal Sahu, Tripti Paliwal, Radhika Joshi, Arya Kuhu Vishwapriya, Namita Misra, Smita Jain, Gautam Singhvi, Gulshan Kumar, Devesh U. Kapoor, Dipjyoti Chakraborty, Swapnil Sharma

Michigan Tech Publications

Leaves of Cucumis callosus, traditionally employed in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of urinary disorders, were investigated in depth for their therapeutic potential against bacterially induced urinary tract infection (UTI) for the first time. The present work is the first to explore the antibacterial activity of C. callosus leaf fractions with an integrative in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approach. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, the chloroform fraction (F1) was identified as the most active, exhibiting potent activity against Uropathogenic Escherichia spp. species. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of F1 revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, including stigmasterol, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, lactose, hydroxy(mesityl)acetic …

High Thermoelectric Power Conversion Efficiency Of An Earth-Abundant Janus Silicon Oxy-Sulfide Monolayer: A First-Principles Study, Zakariae Darhi, Mounaim Bencheikh, Ravindra Pandey, Larbi El Farh

Michigan Tech Publications

The tunable properties of Janus monolayers, along with advances in their synthesis, make these low-symmetry materials excellent candidates for thermoelectric power generation. In this study, we systematically investigate the electronic and thermal properties of the Janus silicon oxy-sulfide monolayer. The results based on density functional theory reveal that the monolayer is stable. It exhibits a tunable direct band gap and strong covalent bonding. Its ultralow lattice thermal conductivity (< 0.38 W mK⁻¹ at 300 K) is attributed to the broken phonon selection rule for phonon–phonon scattering and a high level of anharmonicity, as reflected in the large Grüneisen parameter. Furthermore, the inclusion …

Haze Processing Of Atmospheric Particles During Wintertime In The Indo-Gangetic Plains, Susan Mathai, Amna Ijaz, Tania Gautam, Zezhen Cheng, Nurun Nahar Lata, Harsh Bhotika, David Tseng, Rosalie K. Chu, Lynn Mazzoleni, Claudio Mazzoleni, Swarup China

Michigan Tech Publications

The impacts of haze on visibility, air quality, and climate are not well quantified due to a lack of understanding of the evolution of the mixing state and phase state of atmospheric particles during haze processing. The variability of the mixing state of atmospheric particles contributes significantly to uncertainties associated with the estimated aerosol radiative forcing. We collected particle samples in January 2018 from the highly polluted Indo-Gangetic plain during hazy conditions to study haze-processed particles. Single particle analysis using multi-modal micro-spectroscopy techniques revealed an abundance (40–70% by number) of potassium-rich sulfate particles from biomass-burning influenced smoke. Tilted view imaging …

Statistics Of Glinting Clouds Observed By Dscovr And Geostationary Satellites, Tamás Várnai, Alexander Marshak, Alexander Kostinski

Michigan Tech Publications

This study examines how frequently the specular reflection of sunlight—that is, sun glint—reveals the presence of ice crystals that maintain a steady horizontal orientation. The study analyzes data from the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) onboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft and from collocated images taken by geostationary satellites. The analysis of spatio-temporal variations in glint frequency over vegetated land surfaces reveals that (a) year-to-year variations are modest with no clear trends; (b) glints typically occur 7%–8% more frequently than previously estimated; (c) glints are most frequently observed during the May-August period, and over Asia. The results also …

An Investigation On Downwind Impacts Of The Keweenaw Peninsula On Lake-Effect Snow Events, Thomas M. Pavell

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Lake-effect snow (LES) produces copious amounts of snow across the Great Lakes region. While mechanisms and impacts are well-understood, they remain difficult to observe and study over Lake Superior and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan due to a large gap in radar coverage and sparse in-situ measurements. The goal of this project aimed to characterize variables present across Lake Superior and counties on and downstream of the Keweenaw Peninsula that contribute to the formation and evolution of lake-effect snowbands. Nine different lake-effect snow events were analyzed in this project, identifying structures and features resulting from upstream passage over the Keweenaw …

Large Aerosol Particles Favor Haze Conditions Through Limitations On Water Budget And Activation Kinetics, Hamed F. Sadi, Ernie Lewis, Kadja Flore Gali, Fan Yang, Jesse Anderson, Suryadev Pratap Singh, Jae Min Yeom, Will Cantrell, Raymond Shaw

Michigan Tech Publications

Experiments in the Pi Convection‐Cloud Chamber conducted by systematically changing the diameter of injected dry aerosol particles while holding the temperature difference constant demonstrate that dry diameter strongly influences the onset of haze‐dominated conditions. Two factors contribute: the system becomes water‐limited, resulting in reduction of supersaturation by growing aerosol particles to the activation diameter; and the activation process becomes kinetically limited. Dry aerosol diameter exerts a strong influence on activation time, with a power‐law exponent of 9/2. Kinetically limited activation occurs when the ratio of the activation and droplet residence times is greater than unity. The findings demonstrate that a …

Microgravity-Induced Alterations In Left Atrial Hemodynamics And Thrombogenic Risk: Insights From Healthy And Atrial Fibrillation Models, Grace M. Hoeppner

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Background: Microgravity exposure alters cardiovascular loading, yet its impact on left atrial flow dynamics and thrombotic risk remains poorly understood. This study investigates how spaceflight-relevant microgravity-induced changes in cardiac outflow affect left atrial hemodynamics in healthy individuals and patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods: Patient-specific left atrial models were generated for three healthy individuals and three AF patients. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using each patient’s baseline mitral outflow waveform and two modified waveforms representing short- and long-duration post-flight cardiac loading changes derived from echocardiographic observations. Hemodynamic metrics included left atrial velocity, time averaged wall shear stress, oscillatory shear …

First-Principles And Thermodynamic Modeling Of Hydrogen Storage In Mxenes, Yi Zhi Chu

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Hydrogen storage is a critical component of the emerging hydrogen economy, playing a central role in enabling the global transition from fossil fuels to a sustainable, green energy system. With advances in materials research, increasing attention has been directed toward the development of promising hydrogen storage materials. Due to their diverse and advantageous physicochemical properties, MXenes have attracted significant interest in this regard. A fundamental understanding of the hydrogen interactions with the MXenes structure is crucial for explaining and predicting their hydrogen storage performance. In this work, first-principles density functional theory (DFT) combined with a revised thermodynamic model is employed …

Predicting Oil Contamination In Water Using Machine Learning On Microbial Compositions, Tong Gao, Isaac Bigcraft, Stephen Techtmann, Issei Nakamura

Michigan Tech Publications

We present a compact and generative machine-learning framework that predicts oil contamination based on microbial community compositions from experimental samples. Our method combines dimensionality reduction with data augmentation and generative modeling to address high-dimensional, non-linear, and sparse microbial data. To reduce the 503-dimensional bacterial composition dataset, we compared three dimensionality reduction techniques: feature importance from random forest, principal component analysis (PCA), and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE). Feature importance outperformed PCA and t-SNE, improving predictive performance and identifying microbial species most strongly correlated with oil contamination. To mitigate data scarcity, we augmented the training data using an augmented data neural …

Design And Modeling Of A Thin Water Falling-Film For Convection-Cloud Chambers, Grant T. Schlaff, Jesse Anderson, Brandon Kieranen, Constantine M. Megaridis, Raymond Shaw

Michigan Tech Publications

Convection–cloud chambers offer a controlled environment to study aerosol-cloud interactions. Ensuring sustained supersaturation in these chambers requires a reliable and efficient water sourcing mechanism. Maintaining saturated boundary conditions on side-walls is important in chambers with large vertical dimensions (up to 10m) aimed at achieving collisional growth of cloud droplets. This study introduces the design, modeling, and measurement of a falling-film system capable of maintaining a stable, continuously replenished water film for continuous evaporation. A distributor is tested, ensuring uniform water coverage over a panel with a range of surface treatments. These surface treatments with micron to 100micron-scale roughness allow for …

Cloud-Top Entrainment Instability In Marine Stratocumulus Clouds: Observational Evidence From Collocated Microphysical, Turbulence, And Radiation Measurements, Inyeob La, Raymond Shaw, Holger Siebert, André Ehrlich, Jae Min Yeom, Seong Soo Yum

Michigan Tech Publications

Marine stratocumulus clouds (MSC) strongly influence Earth's radiation budget, yet the mechanisms governing the descent of entrainment-affected (diluted) parcels, and the relative roles of cloud-top entrainment instability (CTEI) and longwave radiative cooling (RC), remain debated. Using helicopter-borne observations from the ACORES campaign that combine high-resolution in situ vertical profiling with co-located remote sensing, we examine vertical variations of microphysics, thermodynamics, and the entrainment interfacial layer (EIL). When CTEI conditions were strongly met, inhomogeneous mixing (IM) traits appeared near cloud top and transitioned to homogeneous mixing (HM) traits deeper in the cloud layer, accompanied by localized elevations of cloud base, signatures …