Distribution and Variation of Cloud Water Content and Particle EffecticeRadius in Southwest China Based on CERES Data

Based on the NASA/CERES 2001-2015 data of stratocumulus, altostratus, and nimbostratus liquid and ice water paths and particle radius, the temporal and spatial distributions and variations trend of cloud parameters in the Southwest China are analyzed in this study. The results show that according to annual spatial distribution, the annual liquid and ice water paths are greater in the east area than in the west area, and water paths are greater at low-latitude regions than at high-latitude regions. The annual altostratus and nimbostratus liquid and ice cloud particle radius in western Sichuan Plateau are the largest. The nimbostratus has the largest liquid and ice water paths between 90-230 g/m² and 100-300 g/m², respectively, stratocumulus has the least water path between 0-80 g/m² and 0-60 g/m², respectively. The ice cloud particle radius is larger than the liquid cloud particle radius by 2-6 μm. Considering the seasonal distribution, nimbostratus has the greatest liquid and ice water paths in autumn and winter and the least in summer and spring. There is less seasonal variation in stratocumulus and altostratus liquid and ice cloud water contents. The liquid cloud particle radius is the largest in summer. From the variation trend, the liquid and ice water paths of all types of clouds show a decreasing trend. The liquid and ice cloud particle radius of all types of clouds show a decreasing or increasing trend.