Mixing and the Cloud Droplet Size Spectrum: Generalizations from the CCOPE Data

Abstract

Droplet size distributions have been examined in continental convective clouds observed on 9 days during the Cooperative Convective Precipitation Experiment (CCOPE). Typically, the size at the large droplet peak in the condensation spectrum is insensitive to major variations in droplet concentration along horizontal cloud penetrations. The data are 100 or 40 m averages, and they cover a wide range of cloud conditions, vertical velocities and turbulence intensifies. The observations are explained by postulating the existence of major nonuniformities in droplet concentration on scales not resolved.