A review of theoretical and observational studies in cloud and precipitation physics: 1991–1994

It is becoming increasingly evident that clouds and precipitation play a critical role in many of the environmental or so‐called “strategic” issues facing our society today, such as the “ozone hole” problem, climate change, ocean‐atmospheric interactions and acid rain. Clouds and precipitation also play an important role in many applied problems such as aircraft icing and short‐term forecasting. Solutions to these and other problems will require a deeper understanding of how clouds form, evolve and impact their surroundings. Scales associated with cloud formation range from the size of a sub‐micron aerosol particle to the scale of a large hurricane. Scientific studies during the last four years have reaffirmed the notion that in order to adequately understand the role of clouds in these strategic and applied problems, fundamental studies on all scales important to cloud formation and evolution are required.