2. Most people envision
falling raindrops as
the typical teardrop
shape that we are
familiar with However,
similar to how hearts
are not shaped like the
ones we see on
Valentine’s Day, the
teardrop is not the
actual shape of a
raindrop.
3. The shape of a raindrop varies and is
dependant on size and surface tension of the
drop. As they fall, drops are constantly
oscillating.
4. In general;
Drops smaller than 2mm are
spherical shaped
Drops greater than 2mm begin
to flatten and become more
elongated
Drops greater than 5mm are
flattened and may have a
“dimple” in their center. This
dimple may cause the drop to
eventually break and separate
into 2 smaller drops as shown
in image E.
5. Oscillations of raindrops are also
dependant on their size.
Researchers tested oscillations in
raindrops by stimulating
atmospheric conditions in a wind
tunnel and propelling raindrops at
their terminal velocities. Using
high speed cameras, the
oscillations in amplitude and axis
ratio of the drops could be
observed.
7. So raindrops are not a teardrop shape, or any
specific shape! Like snowflakes, each is unique
and has its own shape and oscillation
frequencies and amplitudes!
8. Raindrops are an example of how vertical
oscillations can be applied to things in our
everyday life. This information can be used to
help produce better rainfall estimates and
predictions, and to help minimize the
interruptions rainfall can cause for radios and
other communication devices.
Thank you!
