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Understand the growth of cloud droplets in warm and cold clouds, generation of charge, and the fascinating dynamics of lightning and thunder in thunderstorms. Explore the science behind cloud formation and the electrifying elements of nature.
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ATOC 4720 class19 • Thunderstorms 1. Growth of clouds droplets in warm and cold clouds 2. Charge generation 3. Lightning and thunder
1a. Growth of droplets in warm clouds Clouds lie completely below warm clouds; Droplet grow: (1) condensation in supersaturated environment; (2) colliding and coalescing;
R>r : grow
Heterogeneous: Aerosol: grow 10 (uniform) Collision & coalescence (important) (a few mm);
1b. Growth in cold clouds Clouds extend above 0C, called cold clouds; Can contain: supercooled droplets & ice particles Mixed clouds Growth: (1) homogeneous nucleation (water & ice), heterogeneous nucleation (aerosol); (2) riming: hailstone--ice colliding with Supercooled droplets (quickly grow); Riming to a certain stage----graupel; Hailstones: extreme; 13cm diameter,0.5kg; Common: 1cm; rimming too quick: above 0C-- Water content
Theories Thermoelectric effect in ice (1&2) T- degree C; V--mV
3. Lightning and thunder Dielectric breakdown: V>3MV/m (dry) V>1MV/m Moist with 1mm in radius;