The Measurement of Charge and Size of Raindrops: Part II. Results and Analysis at Ground Level

Abstract

Measurements of the size and charge on precipitation particles obtained using the apparatus described in Part I are given. Size data are found most frequencly to fit a log-normal distribution, and charge data a normal distribution; bi-modal distributions of charge and size data are also evident. Changes in the distribution parameters during the passage of frontal systems are calculated and correlations between drop size and drop charge examined for evidence of a systematic charging mechanism. Correlations between size and charge data and atmospheric potential gradient and prevailing meteorological conditions are also discussed.