On accumulation of water substance in a column of rising air

Abstract

The accumulation of condensed water in moist rising air is discussed in relation to the ratio of the air speed co the fall speed of precipitation. The maximum ultimate accumulation occurs when that ratio is near unity; the duration of a transient phase is proportional to the inverse of the fall speed of precipitation when updraft are weak, and to the inverse of air speed when the air speed is moderate or strong. The kinematic framework presented has dynamical implications that help explain some behaviour of showers and storms.