COMPUTER MODELING OF HAILSTONE GROWTH IN FEDER CLOUDS

Abstract

The growth of hailstones is studied using a one-dimensional nonsteady-state model of a growing feeder cloud. Conditions within the mature cloud are assumed to be adiabatic. Vertical velocity and liquid water content profiles change at a predetermined rate, beginning with small values and gradually increasing to values that can be expected in a mature thunderstorm. Hailstone growth equations used in the model are developed in terms of the dry-and wet-growth regimes and include terms that account for growth in a mixtue of supercooled cloud droplets and ice crystals. Different versions of the model that incorporate changes inupdraft magnitude and shape are tested.