A review of theoretical and observational studies in cloud and precipitation physics: 1991-1994

Roy M. Rasmussen

National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado, USA

• Introduction
• Cloud Droplet Spectra
• Ice Crystals
• Shapes and Fall Characteristics of Hydrometeors
• Coalescence Among Water Drops
  • Embryo Production:
  • Cloud Conditions Necessary for Precipitation Formation
• Predicted and Observed Raindrop Distribution
• Ice Phase Precipitation Processes
  • Origins of Ice Crystals in Clouds
• Riming, Aggregation, and Melting
• Remote Detection of Precipitation
  • Radar:
  • Satellite:
  • Entrainment of Dry Air into Clouds
• Electrification of Clouds
• Observations of Cloud Structures and Dynamics
  • Severe Thunderstorms, Squall Lines, Rainbands, Convective Complexes and Hurricanes
• Marine Stratocumulus Clouds
• Winter Storms and Orographic Clouds
• Cirrus and Altostratus Clouds
• Clouds as Components in the Global Climate System
  • Observations of Polar Stratus Clouds in the Arctic
  • Observations of Polar Stratospheric Clouds in the Antarctic
• Microphysical Parameterizations
• Possible Influence of Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) on Climate
  • The Association between CCN and Phytoplankton
  • Anthropogenic Sources:
• Acid Rain and Cloud Chemistry
• Conclusion
• References