Cloud drop spectra at different levels and with respect to cloud thicknessand rain

Measurements on drop size were made in cumulus clouds over Pune inland regi on during the summer monsoon seasons. In this paper, the measurements of th e cloud drop spectra made in non-raining clouds at different levels and for different thickness have been studied. Also, those on the days with rain a nd with no rain the rain being observed within the clouds. have been compar ed. The average spectra broadened with height. The concentration of drops ) 50 mu m N-L., liquid water content LWC. mean volume diameter MVD. and disp ersion increased with height. The concentration of drops - 20 mu m N-S. and total concentration N-T. decreased with height. The spectra were broader, while N-S and N-T are smaller and the other parameters are greater for thic ker clouds as compared to those for thinner. The spectra were broader, whil e N-S and N-T are smaller and the other parameters are greater on the days with rain with respect to those on the days with no rain. The distributions were bimodal at higher levels, for thicker clouds and on the days with rai n, while they were unimodal at lower levels, for thinner clouds and on the days with no rain. The variations of the cloud drop spectra, preceding rain , at initial stage of rain and following rain are discussed. (C) 2000 Publi shed by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.