Modification of Precipitation from Warm Clouds—A Review

Abstract

This review is begun with a brief summary of the current status of our understanding of the physics of precipitation in warm clouds. The impact of warm-cloud precipitation processes on the evolution of the ice phase in supercooled clouds also is discussed. This is followed by a review of experimental attempts to modify the microstructure of warm clouds. Modeling studies of warm cloud modification and observational studies of inadvertent warm cloud modification also are drawn upon to further elucidate the physics of warm cloud modification. The hypotheses, and evidence, for dynamic modification of warm clouds are then discussed. A few brief comments an modeling of warm cloud processes also are given. These comments are intended to serve as a warning to the non-modeler to be very cautious in taking the results of the modeling studies at face value. Finally, the review is concluded with specific recommendations regarding the current status of warm cloud modification, and future directions for the scientist and the weather modification practitioner.