Raindrop size distribution characteristics in summer of a nival glacial zone in eastern Tianshan, Central Asia

Precipitation is a key component of the hydrological cycle, which critical to understanding its formation and evolution. In this study, based on observation data PWS100 located at meteorological site terminal Urumqi Glacier No. 1, eastern Tianshan Mountains, statistical characteristics summer raindrop size distribution (DSD) were analyzed, DSD five different rainfall rates(R) two types (convective stratiform) investigated for daytime nighttime. The average spectral width was largest in class III (1 < R 5 mm h −1 ). result showed that concentration increased with rate. maximum IV (5 10 ), when diameter higher than 1.74 mm. small medium raindrops played dominant role precipitation composition head watershed River, contributing 98% total raindrop. convective headwaters divided into continental clusters. stratiform/convective D m -log N w characterized by large mass-weighted mean = 1.523/2.608, generalized intercept log 2.841/3.469. N(D) significantly between nighttime, while stratiform almost same. constraint relationship R-D R-log these deduced, exponent negative, value tended be stable rate (1–2 mm). Finally, we deduced power-law radar reflectivity ( Z ) rain [ A*R b ] headwaters. 698.8R 2.0 stratiform, 47.1R convective. These results, first time, offer insights microphysical nature River during provide essential information could useful retrievals weather observations.