Effects of Coalescence Efficiencies on the Formation of Precipitation

Abstract

A closed parcel model which simulates condensation, collection and breakup was used to evaluate the effects of recently measured collection efficiencies on precipitation development. Computations were made using theoretical collision efficiencies assuming coalescence efficiencies of 100% and, for comparison, with semiempirical coalescence efficiencies of 50?100%. The model indicated that the development of a detectable radar echo was (retarded in time) by 250 to 500 meters from the effects of limited coalescence and that the concentration of precipitation drops was generally reduced by several orders of magnitude.