Some Properties of Convective Plume and Small Fair-Weather Cumulus Fields as Measured by Acoustic and Lidar Sounders

Abstract

Results of a preliminary experiment are described in which a lidar-acoustic sounder system was used to measure plume and cloud width and depth. These parameters are shown to be lognormally distributed. By applying the theory of the genesis of the lognormal to the formation process of convective cells it is suggested that clear air plumes and small cumulus clouds grow by the merger or agglomeration of smaller elements.