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  4. Impact of seeder-feeder cloud interaction on precipitation formation: a case study based on extensive remote-sensing, in situ and model data
 
research article

Impact of seeder-feeder cloud interaction on precipitation formation: a case study based on extensive remote-sensing, in situ and model data

Ohneiser, Kevin
•
Seifert, Patric
•
Schimmel, Willi
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December 2, 2025
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

Abstract. A comprehensive approach to study the seeder-feeder mechanism in unprecedented detail from a combined remote-sensing, in situ, and model perspective is shown. This publication aims at investigating the role of the interplay of a seeder-feeder cloud system and its influence on precipitation formation based on a case study from 8 January 2024 observed over the Swiss Plateau in Switzerland. This case study offers an ideal setup for applying several advanced remote-sensing techniques and retrieval algorithms, including fall streak tracking, radar Doppler peak separation, dual-wavelength radar applications, a liquid detection retrieval, a riming retrieval, and an ice crystals shape retrieval. Results indicate that a large portion of ice mass was rimed, which is attributed to persistent coexistence of falling ice crystals and supercooled water within low-level supercooled liquid water layers. Interaction of seeder and feeder clouds results in a significant precipitation enhancement. This has implications on the water cycle. From the anti-correlation between surface precipitation and liquid water path we estimated that 20 %–40 % of the precipitation stems from the feeder cloud. However, we have to note that the value of 20 %–40 % is strongly dependent on the assumed reproduction rate of liquid water in the feeder cloud. This study aims at giving an overview from a remote-sensing, in situ and model perspective on a seeder-feeder event in an unprecedented detail by exploiting a big set of retrievals applicable to remote-sensing and in situ data. Utilizing different retrievals gives a consistent view on the seeder-feeder case study which is an important basis for future studies. It is demonstrated how improved understanding of seeder-feeder interactions can contribute to enhancing weather forecast models, particularly in regions affected by persistent low-level supercooled stratus clouds.

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Type
research article
DOI
10.5194/acp-25-17363-2025
Author(s)
Ohneiser, Kevin

Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Seifert, Patric

Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Schimmel, Willi

Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Senf, Fabian

Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Gaudek, Tom

Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Radenz, Martin

Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Teisseire, Audrey

Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research

Ettrichrätz, Veronika
Vogl, Teresa
Maherndl, Nina
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Date Issued

2025-12-02

Publisher

Copernicus GmbH

Published in
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Volume

25

Issue

23

Start page

17363

End page

17386

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
LTE  
FunderFunding(s)Grant NumberGrant URL

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

408027490,408008112,516261703

HORIZON EUROPE Climate, Energy and Mobility

101137639

Horizon 2020

101021272

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Available on Infoscience
December 4, 2025
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/256657
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