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On the Physics of Clouds and Precipitation

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Compendium of Meteorology

Abstract

The entire science of meteorology is concerned with the physics of the atmosphere, but the term physical meteorology has been accepted as the designation for only one portion of the science. This division of the field includes topics such as atmospheric optics, atmospheric electricity, solar and long-wave radiation, and the physical processes of condensation and precipitation. The latter is the subject of the present contribution. The discussion will start with a consideration of condensation nuclei and will then proceed in turn to treat the initiation of condensation, the growth of the condensation products, and the formation of precipitation elements. A distinction must be made between condensation in the liquid phase and in the solid phase. There are also differences between the formation of solid and liquid precipitation elements. A brief discussion of the artificial dissipation of fog will also be included.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

    Henry G. Houghton

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  1. Henry G. Houghton
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Thomas F. Malone

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© 1951 American Meteorological Society

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Houghton, H.G. (1951). On the Physics of Clouds and Precipitation. In: Malone, T.F. (eds) Compendium of Meteorology. American Meteorological Society, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-940033-70-9_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-940033-70-9_14

  • Publisher Name: American Meteorological Society, Boston, MA

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-940033-70-9

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