Conditions Inside Cumulus Clouds Preceding the Onset of Precipitation

Martin R. Schock Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City

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A. S. Dennis Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City

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Abstract

Conditions within 16 cumulus congestus clouds were measured on aircraft penetrations near the −5C level and precipitation developments during the subsequent 45 min were noted. Significant correlations exist between the in-cloud conditions and the time of onset and intensity of precipitation. The degree of spatial correlation among the fields of temperature, vertical motion and water content within a given cloud proved more important to subsequent developments than did the mean values of these variables.

Abstract

Conditions within 16 cumulus congestus clouds were measured on aircraft penetrations near the −5C level and precipitation developments during the subsequent 45 min were noted. Significant correlations exist between the in-cloud conditions and the time of onset and intensity of precipitation. The degree of spatial correlation among the fields of temperature, vertical motion and water content within a given cloud proved more important to subsequent developments than did the mean values of these variables.

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