Turbulence Statistics in Thunderstorm Clouds

ABSTRACT Cumulonimbus clouds, commonly called thunderclouds, are widely associated with thunder, lightning, and precipitation. Although they develop originally from cumulus clouds, very little is known about their behavior, especially in terms of turbulent statistics. In this study, using data obtained from the measurement campaign, STEPS (Severe Thunderstorm Electrification and Precipitation Study) conducted in the year 2000 in Goodland, Kansas, USA, we analyze, in parallel, the variation of the electric field, and wind velocity. We estimate turbulence kinetic energy dissipation rate from the wind velocity spectra, and the second‐order structure functions. Furthermore, we investigate the evolution of the dissipation rate with respect to the change in the total electric field inside the cloud.