Field measurements of cloud droplet dynamics

ORAL

Abstract

We present an in-situ experiment investigating the dynamics of cloud droplets and its dependence on the turbulent flow properties. This dynamics plays a major role in the rate of growth of cloud particles by coalescence and the resulting precipitation rate. The experiment takes place at a mountain research station at an altitude of 2650m, and will make use of a movable platform that can travel with the mean wind velocity. Here we present preliminary results using a stationary setup. Simultaneous measurements of other variables such as droplet size distribution and humidity fluctuations are done in order to develop a more complete picture of the microphysical conditions within clouds.

*We thank the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection for their generous financial support. We also acknowledge funding from European Union Horizon 2020 Programme via the COMPLETE project.

Authors

  • Jan Molacek

    • Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
  • Gholamhossein Bagheri

    • Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
  • Augustinus Bertens

    • Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
  • Haitao Xu

    • Tsinghua University
  • Eberhard Bodenschatz

    • Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization