The entrainment mechanism in Colorado cumuli.

Abstract

Cloud air and clear air properties are analyzed to determine the altitude from where the entrained air originates. The analysis shows that most of the entrained air originates several kilometers above the observation level. The present results are inconsistent with the laterally entraining plume model. The results indicate that mixing of dry environmental air with cloud air produces sufficient evaporative cooling to create downdrafts that penetrate several kilometers into the cloud. - from Author