Interrelation between the Dynamic Structure and Water Content of Convective Clouds Based on Aircraft Observations

Abstract

The spectral structure of turbulence (spectra and cospectra) and water content characteristics for convective clouds in the tropical region was analyzed using aircraft observations in the meteorological testbed over Cuba; the results are presented. The cospectra for vertical turbulent heat fluxes allow classifying convective clouds based on their development stage and revealing the stages of growth, stabilization, and dissipation of clouds. It is shown that the value of cloud air overheating as compared to the ambient space is a parameter defining the cloud development stage. The interrelation is revealed between the integral characteristics of turbulence and water content (the mean values and distribution functions of parameters) for different stages of development of convective clouds. The recommendations are formulated on using the data on the dynamic structure of clouds for weather modification activities. A method is proposed for the instrumental estimation of cloud suitability for seeding that is aimed at precipitation augmentation.