Microphysical and Thermodynamic Characteristics of Tropical Convective Clouds
(According to Experiments in Cuba)

V. V. Petrov

The results of studying microphysical and thermodynamic characteristics of tropical convective clouds are presented. The studies included complex experiments on assessing a possibility of artificial precipitation enhancement from clouds in the eastern part of Cuba during 1982–1990 and 2005–2007. More than 400 clouds developing over the island and adjoining sea areas are investigated. It is shown that the microphysical and thermodynamic characteristics of the analyzed clouds are closer to continental than marine clouds, which is caused by the effect of aerosol from the surface layer over the island. Based on the results of coupled radar and aircraft studies, a statistical model of changes in cloud parameters is constructed, and the size of the time window is determined, during which clouds meet the criteria of seedability to enhance precipitation: the first 15–20 minutes after the appearance of the first echo.