Gaetano Sardina - Phase changes in turbulent clouds

Atmospheric clouds are complex three-phase systems containing ice crystals, supercooled liquid droplets, and water vapor. They are responsible for rain/snow formation and play a primary role in the planet’s radiative energy budget and the water cycle. In this talk, after describing the peculiar thermodynamics problems of water below 0 °C and the relative open scientific questions, I will present our first results on the role of turbulence in the condensation/evaporation processes in mixed-phase clouds where ice crystals grow at the expense of liquid droplets.