Rain Formation in Warm Clouds ― General Systems Theory

This book aims to promote the understanding of some of the basic mathematical and scientific issues in the subjects relating to climate dynamics, chaos and quantum mechanics. It is based on substantial research work in atmospheric science carried out over twenty years.

Atmospheric flows exhibit self similar fractal fluctuations, a signature of long-range correlations on all space-time scales. Realistic simulation and prediction of atmospheric flows requires the incorporation of the physics of observed fractal fluctuation characteristics in traditional meteorological theory. A general systems theory model for fractal space-time fluctuations in turbulent atmospheric flows is presented and applied to the formation of rain in warm clouds. This model gives scale-free universal governing equations for cloud growth processes. The model predicted cloud parameters are in agreement with reported observations, in particular, the cloud drop-size distribution. Rain formation can occur in warm clouds within 30 minutes as observed in practice under favourable conditions of moisture supply in the environment. Traditional cloud physical concepts for rain development requires over an hour for a full-sized raindrop to form.

The book provides background reading for postgraduate students of Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences/Physics, Environmental Sciences, and scientists working in the field of the topic of the book as well as the multidisciplinary field of Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos.

Prof. A.M. Selvam obtained a Master’s Degree in Physics from The University of Madras, India, in 1960 and Ph.D. in Physics from The University of Pune in 1970, and then worked at the India Meteorological Department from 1962 to 1966. Joining the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Department of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Pune, India in 1966, Prof. Selvam retired in 1999 as Deputy Director, Physical Meteorology and Aerology Division. Prof. Selvam carried out extensive research work in meteorology and atmospheric sciences and published several research papers in National and International journals and a book entitled ‘Chaotic Climate Dynamics’, 2007, Luniver Press, U.K.