Cloud Microstructure as Determined by an Optical Cloud Particle Spectrometer

Abstract

An improved single-particle light scattering instrument for measurement of cloud microstructure has been built and used in field studies. Cloud particle size and number information is measured over 12 sizing intervals, in the range 4 to 85 μ diameter. The microstructure can be observed in real time and with a spatial resolution not previously reported. The general features of water cloud droplet size and number distributions are consistent with previous direct capture and replication studies. The transition from water to ice phase regions in cumuliform clouds can be inferred from dramatic changes observed in the distribution features. Results are also presented for stratus and cirrus cloud penetrations.