Extraction,classification and visualization of 3-dimensional clouds simulated by cloud-resolving atmospheric model

Cloud-resolving atmospheric general circulation models using large-scale supercomputers reproduce realistic behavior of 3-dimensional atmospheric field on a global scale.To understand the simulation result for scientists,conventional visualization methods based on 2-dimensional cloud classification are not enough for understanding individual clouds and their physical characteristics.In this study,we propose a new 3-dimensional extraction and classification method of simulated clouds based on their 3-dimensional shape and physical properties.Our proposed method extracts individual clouds by cloud water and cloud ice,and classifies them into six types by their altitude and upward flow.We applied the method to time-varying atmospheric simulation data,and attempted to visualize atmospheric phenomena on the tropics such as developing cumulonimbus and tropical cyclone.Two case studies clearly visualize the behavior of individual cloud type and clarify that some cloud types have a relationship with rainfall during active weather phenomena.The proposed method has the potential to analyze such phenomena that develop in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction.