Precipitation mechanisms were investigated in summer rainfall in the semi-arid region of Pingliang, China as part of the Heihe River Field Experiment (HEIFE). Evolution of precipitation particles was investigated using videosonde images. Radar, surface electric field and balloon ascent rates were also referred for the study.The most noteworthy result was finding two completely different rain systems in the area, one in locally developed thunderstorms and the other in rain systems associated with the Baiu front. In the electrically active local thunderstorms, rain is formed through graupel formation. Snowflakes are the primary precipitation particles in Baiu frontal cloud systems. The concept of generation cell involvement in rain formation may not be applicable in Baiu frontal systems.
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