The Physics Of Clouds

Cloud physics is concerned with the processes responsible for the formation of clouds and the release of precipitation. This classic book gives a comprehensive account of research on the microphysical processes of nucleation, condensation, droplet growth, initiation and growth of snow crystals, and the mechanisms of precipitation release.

New textbook on microphysics, thermodynamics and cloud-scale dynamics of clouds and precipitation, for graduate and advanced undergraduate students, researchers and professionals.

Cloud physics has achieved such a voluminous literature over the past few decades that a significant quantitative study of the entire field would prove unwieldy. This book concentrates on one major aspect: cloud microphysics, which involves the processes that lead to the formation of individual cloud and precipitation particles. Common practice has shown that one may distinguish among the following addi tional major aspects: cloud dynamics, which is concerned with the physics respon sible for the macroscopic features of clouds; cloud electricity, which deals with the electrical structure of clouds and the electrification processes of cloud and precipi tation particles; and cloud optics and radar meteorology, which describe the effects of electromagnetic waves interacting with clouds and precipitation. Another field intimately related to cloud physics is atmospheric chemistry, which involves the chemical composition ofthe atmosphere and the life cycle and characteristics of its gaseous and particulate constituents. In view of the natural interdependence of the various aspects of cloud physics, the subject of microphysics cannot be discussed very meaningfully out of context. Therefore, we have found it necessary to touch briefly upon a few simple and basic concepts of cloud dynamics and thermodynamics, and to provide an account of the major characteristics of atmospheric aerosol particles. We have also included a separate chapter on some of the effects of electric fields and charges on the precipitation-forming processes.

Cloud physics is concerned with those processes which are responsible for the formation of clouds and the release of precipitation. This classic book gives a comprehensive and detailed account of experimental and theoretical research on the microphysical processes of nucleation, condensation, droplet growth, initiation and growth of snow crystals, and the mechanisms of precipitation release. As a textbook it is designed to give the student the necessary background to carry out independent work. As a reference book for the research worker, it provides an integrated account of the major developments in this field. Although written primarily for the atmospheric physicist, it contains much of interest for those in the fields of nucleation phenomena, crystal growth, and aerosol physics.

This book examines cloud physics.

45 downwards because (j on the average increases with height; but this conclusion does not follow from (18.3) when the dependency of Kc upon ~o is taken into consideration. s 2 ERTELl and PRIESTLEY and SWINBANK have shown that the upward eddy flux of sensible heat must be larger than indicated by (18.3), because this formula does not account for the fact that rising eddies are systematically warmer than sinking eddies because of the effect of buoyancy. The reader is referred to the reviews by SUTTON [22], [23] and PRIESTLEY and SHEP PARD [15) for further details concerning eddy-flux of heat and turbulent diffusion. 19. RICHARDSON'S criterion. The right-hand side of (15.10) represents the rate of production of eddy energy. The last term represents energy loss by dissipation; in order that the eddy energy shall be maintained, it is therefore necessary that P div V" - (! V" v" . grad. v > O.

Covers essential parts of cloud and precipitation physics and has been extensively rewritten with over 60 new illustrations and many new and up to date references. Many current topics are covered such as mesoscale meteorology, radar cloud studies and numerical cloud modelling, and topics from the second edition, such as severe storms, precipitation processes and large scale aspects of cloud physics, have been revised. Problems are included as examples and to supplement the text.

This text explores the formation of clouds, ice crystals, and hail. It also reviews techniques for cloud modifications, artificial stimulation of rainfall, and modification of hailstorms. 26 figures. 16 halftones.