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The
collision-coalescence
process is an important
mechanism in forming
raindrops in warmer clouds
(those with tops warmer than
-15°C = 5°F). In warm clouds
(those that are above freezing
throughout) raindrops form
exclusively by this process.
Most tropical rain is formed in
this way. The collision-
coalescence process is of
relatively little importance in
middle and high latitudes
where, even in the summer,
precipitation begins high in the
clouds where temperatures are
well below freezing and the
dominant precipitation-
producing mechanism is the
so-called ice-crystal or
Bergeron process. |