The Effects of Turbulent Mixing in Clouds

M. B. Baker University of Washington, Seattle, 98195

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R. E. Breidenthal University of Washington, Seattle, 98195

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T. W. Choularton Physics Department, UMIST, Manchester, England

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J. Latham Physics Department, UMIST, Manchester, England

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Abstract

Turbulent mixing of cloudy and cloud-free air may play an important role in determining the overall dynamic and microphysical behavior of warm clouds. We present a model of turbulent mixing based on laboratory and theoretical studies of chemically reacting shear layers, extended to include the effects of buoyancy instabilities and droplet sedimentation. It is found to be consistent with recent observations of microphysical variability in natural clouds.

Abstract

Turbulent mixing of cloudy and cloud-free air may play an important role in determining the overall dynamic and microphysical behavior of warm clouds. We present a model of turbulent mixing based on laboratory and theoretical studies of chemically reacting shear layers, extended to include the effects of buoyancy instabilities and droplet sedimentation. It is found to be consistent with recent observations of microphysical variability in natural clouds.

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