Study on the life cycle of ice crystal cloud over the Taklimakan desert using multi-source data

Abstract. Using a coherent Doppler wind lidar, the whole process of formation and decomposition of ice crystal cloud was recorded in Minfeng (37.06° N, 82.69° E) on the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert (TD) from 5 to 6 February 2022. Combined with ERA5 and MERRA-2 reanalysis data, FY-4A and Himawari-8 meteorological satellite data, local meteorological data, and HYSPLIT model, the evolution process of ice crystal clouds affected by the wind profile, dust aerosol, turbulence, temperature, humidity, and terrain was analyzed. The results show that the uniquely relatively enclosed basin topography of the TD, coupled with the feeble turbulence and robust downdrafts at night, constrains the upward supply of water vapor and dust aerosols. As a result, the base height of the ice crystal clouds is maintained at approximately 3 km. Dust aerosols can act as effective ice nuclei, which catalyze the formation of ice crystal clouds and inhibit the occurrence of liquid precipitation. The continuous evolution of ice crystal clouds was well studied with multiple meteorological data, which improves the understanding of dust-cloud-atmosphere interactions in the desert hydrological cycle.