Abstract We ask whether cloud turbulence differs from typical fluid turbulence, and answer in the affirmative: smallâscale turbulence is significantly enhanced in clouds by inertial droplets. This enhancement stems from a mismatch in time scales between vortex evacuation and condensation. Inertial droplets are centrifuged out of vortical regions much faster than condensation can occur. They then grow by condensation, releasing latent heat locally. Our simulations reveal that vortical regions coâlocate with cooler temperatures and higher moisture, leading to sharp density gradients at their boundaries. These gradients drive baroclinic torque, generating smallâscale turbulence. The time scales involved align with our scaling estimates. While our earlier twoâdimensional model anticipated this effect, it underestimated its intensity and limited it to subâKolmogorov scales. The enhancement of turbulence over inertial scales that we find here could drive rapid raindrop growth.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: November 30, 2025 04:25 AM
Atmospheric COâ
426.8 ppm
+18.1
ppm/year
Atmospheric CHâ
1927.61 ppb
+2.73
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year