Some characteristics of stratiform clouds over North Ireland in relation to their precipitation

✍ Scribed by B. J. Mason; B. P. Howorth

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1952
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 276 KB
• Volume: 78
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0035-9009
• DOI: 10.1002/qj.49707833609

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Analysis of stratiform‐cloud data from routine aircraft ascents made at Aldergrove during 1942‐4 and of ground‐station records of precipitation reveals that drizzle fell predominantly from clouds warmer than −5°C and thicker than 600 m, suggesting growth of drops by coalescence. Rain fell occasionally from clouds not extending above the −5°C level but fell mainly from clouds with tops colder than −12°C suggesting that ice crystals were mainly responsible for its release. The frequency and persistence of precipitation are analysed with respect to the temperature structure and the depth of the clouds. Some differences between the characteristics of precipitating and non‐precipitating clouds are brought out.