A proper understanding of microphysical phenomena is a key requirement to reduce
uncertainty in the prediction of extreme hydrometeorological events. New generation ground
based and spaceborne remote sensing techniques allow to observe these phenomena at
unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Along the lines, microphysics-based
observational, theoretical and modeling studies are deserving a growing attention to gain a
deeper understanding of the spatio-temporal variability of intense precipitation events. In this
paper some recent research results achieved by the CIMA Foundation in this framework will
be presented. The discussion will range from the formulation of a novel theory for deep
moist convection, through the investigation of the joint effect of turbulence and
microphysics parameterizations on the uncertainty in numerical modeling of deep moist
convective processes, to the analysis of some observed extreme rainfall scenarios. |