Size Distribution of Large Droplets in Precipitating Clouds

Abstract

Measurements have been made of the size distribution of large droplets in various clouds at a station situated on Mount Kuro. The results show that most nimbostratus, cumulus congestus and cumulonimbus clouds contain large droplets of radii above 50 μ. The spectral distributions fit fairly well the relation N= N₀r^-α where α has values between 4 and 11. The concentration of large droplets varies widely and values above 10⁵ per m^-3 are frequently observed in precipitating clouds.