Physical Processes in Clouds and Cloud Modeling

Description

This book presents the most comprehensive and systematic description currently available of both classical and novel theories of cloud processes, providing a much-needed link between cloud theory, observation, experimental results, and cloud modeling. This volume shows why and how modern models serve as a major tool of investigation of cloud processes responsible for atmospheric phenomena, including climate change. It systematically describes classical as well as recent advancements in cloud physics, including cloud-aerosol interaction; collisions of particles in turbulent clouds; and the formation of multiphase cloud particles. As the first of its kind to serve as a practical guide for using state-of-the-art numerical cloud models, major emphasis is placed on explaining how microphysical processes are treated in modern numerical cloud resolving models. The book will be a valuable resource for advanced students, researchers and numerical model designers in cloud physics, atmospheric science, meteorology, and environmental science.

Alexander P. Khain is a Professor in the Institute of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is a renowned leading expert in developing cloud resolving models with precise microphysics in order to investigate the physics of clouds and precipitation. He has participated in several American, European and Asian international research projects where his advanced microphysical schemes were widely used to investigate natural and anthropogenic aerosol effects and relations between microphysics and atmospheric dynamics. He has published two books on tropical cyclones and their interaction with the ocean, and around 200 academic papers on cloud physics, cloud-aerosol interaction, and numerical modeling of clouds, storms and hurricanes. Mark Pinsky is a Professor in the Institute of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr Pinsky is a leading expert in the investigation and modeling of drop condensation/evaporation and turbulence impact on collision processes in clouds. The cloud models he has developed have enabled us - for the first time - to explain the impact of turbulence on precipitation formation as well as drizzle formation. Dr Pinsky has participated in several joint European and American research projects in the fields of cloud physics, precipitation enhancement, and satellite and radar meteorology. He has published over 100 academic papers on cloud physics, cloud modeling, radar meteorology, and estimation of symmetry measure in chemistry.