Droplet Growth in a Shallow Stratus Deck

  • Often, drops will evaporate from shallow stratus before reaching the ground

  • or you may get drizzle if they are large enough

QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:

1.  Why is a warm, tropical cumulus cloud more likely to produce precipitation than a cold, stratus cloud?

2.  Clouds that form over water are usually more efficient in producing precipitation than clouds that form over land. Why?