Fluid dynamics in clouds: The sum of its parts

TL;DR

This paper reviews the complex fluid dynamics involved in cloud physics, focusing on scales, droplet behavior, and turbulence, to better understand cloud formation and behavior.

Contribution

It provides a selective overview emphasizing droplet dynamics and turbulence, integrating physics across multiple scales in cloud systems.

Findings

Detailed description of scales involved in cloud physics

Analysis of droplet growth and dynamics

Discussion of turbulence effects in clouds

Abstract

This entry is aimed at describing cloud physics with an emphasis on fluid dynamics. As is inevitable for a review of an enormously complicated problem, it is highly selective and reflects of the authors' focus. The range of scales involved, and the relevant physics at each scale is described. Particular attention is given to droplet dynamics and growth, and turbulence with and without thermodynamics.