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Kinetic Potential and Barrier Crossing: A Model for Warm Cloud Drizzle Formation

Robert McGraw and Yangang Liu
Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 018501 – Published 9 January 2003
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Abstract

The kinetic potential of nucleation theory is used to describe droplet growth processes in a cloud. Drizzle formation is identified as a statistical barrier-crossing phenomenon that transforms cloud droplets to drizzle size with a rate dependent on turbulent diffusion, droplet collection, and size distribution. Steady-state and transient drizzle rates are calculated for typical cloud conditions. We find drizzle more likely under transient conditions. The model quantifies an important indirect effect of aerosols on climate-drizzle suppression in clouds of higher droplet concentration.

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  • Received 21 June 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.018501

©2003 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Robert McGraw and Yangang Liu

  • Environmental Sciences Department, Atmospheric Sciences Division, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973

See Also

Fast-Growing Raindrops

Lea Winerman
Phys. Rev. Focus 11, 2 (2003)

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Issue

Vol. 90, Iss. 1 — 10 January 2003

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