ICE MULTIPLICATION IN THE ATMOSPHERE,
Abstract
Data on the composition of unpolluted, unseeded stratocumulus and nimbostratus clouds having temperatures warmer than -9C reveal, in some instances, high concentrations of ice particles (to approximately 400 per liter of cloud). On the basis of measurements of the concentration of ice-forming nuclei reported in the literature, and the activation temperature of particles believed to be natural atmospheric ice nuclei, it is concluded that some multiplication process was responsible for the observed concentrations of ice particles. Since moderately large drops were present in the glaciating clouds, the data are consistent with a process whereby drops are frozen and splintered; however, in view of other evidence casting doubt on the validity of this process in the free atmosphere, alternative hypotheses are examined. Freezing of drops by a stochastic process is untenable, but a mechanical fracturing process seems possible and merits additional study. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0657750
Entities
People
- L. Randall Koenig
Organizations
- RAND Corporation