Topic: Experiments involving aerosols in thunderstorms

[Mike]

We have in Darwin during the buildup transition period pre wet season many scientists that visit with a multitude of tools and gadgets attached to modified aircraft flying through large thunderstorms around Darwin, particular the hector convective systems that form over the Tiwi Islands 75km to our north.  This thunderstorm has enormous proportions - with updraughts reaching most days 20km high and displaying severe weather during the latter stages of it's development. 

Now, I have read up on these systems but they always refer to aerosol readings from the updraughts and surrounding air samples.  Can anyone give some light on what these samples are and what makes them so particular to thunderstorms?

Mike