Theoretical Aspccts of Cloud Drop Distributions

Abstract

A theoretical study indicates that the number and size of the drops formed in a cloud vary with the rate of cooling, the initial temperature, and the air pressure. The faster the cooling rate, the lower the initial temperature, and the lower the altitude, the greater is the number of drops and the smaller their size. The drop size spectrum also depends, to a large extent, on the number of available condensation nuclei. Furthermore, it tends to be widened by sedimentation and turbulence.