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Cumulus Cloud Model

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Rain Formation in Warm Clouds

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Meteorology ((BRIEFSMETEOR))

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Abstract

A cumulus cloud model that can explain the observed characteristics of warm rain formation in monsoon clouds is presented. The model is based on classical statistical physical concepts and satisfies the principle of maximum entropy production. Atmospheric flows exhibit self-similar fractal fluctuations that are ubiquitous to all dynamical systems in nature and are characterized by inverse power-law form for power (eddy energy) spectrum signifying long-range space–time correlations. A general systems theory model for atmospheric flows is based on the concept that the large eddy energy is the integrated mean of enclosed turbulent (small-scale) eddies. This model gives scale-free universal governing equations for cloud-growth processes. The model-predicted cloud parameters are in agreement with reported observations, in particular, the cloud drop-size distribution. Rain formation can occur in warm clouds within a 30-min lifetime under favourable conditions of moisture supply in the environment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pune, India

    A. M. Selvam

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  1. A. M. Selvam
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Selvam, A. (2015). Cumulus Cloud Model. In: Rain Formation in Warm Clouds. SpringerBriefs in Meteorology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13269-3_2

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