Radar/model comparison of precipitation initiation in tropical cumulus clouds

Harry T. Ochs, Neil F. Laird, Robert M. Rauber, Kenneth V. Beard, L. Jay Miller

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

The onset of precipitation is commonly explained by the hypotheses that the existence of very large wettable or soluble nuclei can almost immediately begin to collect cloud droplets when carried through cloud base. Model calculations are carried out to test the hypotheses. Concentrations of cloud droplets produced in the model are compared with those actually measured during the Small Cumulus Microphysics Study (SCMS) and the computed model radar reflectivities are compared with radar observations prior to the onset of precipitation based on Rayleigh scattering. Initial results suggest that ultragiant CCN are a viable explanation for the onset of precipitation in SCMS clouds.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages337-338
Number of pages2
StatePublished - 1999
EventProceedings of the 1999 29th International Conference on Radar Meteorology - Montreal, Que., Can
Duration: Jul 12 1999Jul 16 1999

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 1999 29th International Conference on Radar Meteorology
CityMontreal, Que., Can
Period7/12/997/16/99

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atmospheric Science
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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