The life cycle of a stationary cloud cluster during the Indian summer monsoon: A microphysical investigation using polarimetric C-band radar

The CC was characterized by a deep warm cloud layer with isolated convective cells in the initiation phase, merging of several deep cumulus clouds (similar to 6 km) during the mature phase, growing up to similar to 15 km with mixed-phase and ice-phase cloud microphysical processes.

Throughout the life cycle of the CC, polarimetric radar analyses revealed size sorting of falling raindrops, growth of dendritic particles, riming, aggregation, the occurrence of a saggy bright band, etc. The formation of big raindrops is observed during the initial convective rain, associated with the melting of hail. The stratiform counterpart is primarily associated with aggregates, ice crystals, and melting snow, resulting in surface rainfall.