In an effort to better understand the mechanisms behind precipitation, scientists have turned to finer details such as the size of rain droplets and the presence of heavy ice in the atmosphere. Recently, satellite data from the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Core Observatory has provided valuable information on the “microphysical” properties of rain around the world. This data includes the average size of rain droplets, as well as the type of precipitation, whether it be hail or graupel (soft hail), both on land and at sea.

Dr. Moeka Yamaji and Dr. Hiroshi Takahashi from Tokyo Metropolitan University have been using this satellite data to study the Asian monsoon season. Previous research conducted by the team revealed that the pre-monsoon season on land in Asia experienced heavier rainfall compared to the monsoon region, although the total amount of rainfall was less. Building on these findings, they have now discovered that the rain droplets over land during the pre-monsoon season were larger, and there was an increased amount of heavy ice precipitation. These observations aligned with seasonal changes in the altitude at which precipitation originates.

Interestingly, the team found that the correlation between the amount of rainfall and the size of droplets was not straightforward. There were periods with similar total rainfall but varying droplet diameters, indicating the importance of recognizing different precipitation characteristics. Additionally, they were able to link previous observations of damage caused by lightning and tornadoes before and after the monsoon season with a similar trend in heavy ice precipitation. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the Asian monsoon season and may assist in improving weather prediction and mitigating damage during adverse climate events.

Sources:

– Tokyo Metropolitan University: Dr. Yamaji and Dr. Takahashi’s research findings on the Asian monsoon season using satellite data from the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Core Observatory.

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