Clouds & Climate Processes
members | methodologies | projects
One of the exciting things about the atmospheric and oceanic sciences is the variety of methodologies they embody: theory, numerical modeling and simulation, field work, satellite remote sensing and data analysis. We employ all of these techniques to develop a better understanding of atmospheric moist convection and its interaction with large scale circulations
Bulk Equations for a Stratocumulus-Topped Boundary Layer Theory is a starting point for much our work, it determines what we simulate and observe. Here a simple mass (h), enthalpy (s) and moisture (q) budget of a stratocumulus layer introduces the concept of surface exchange (V) and mixing with the free atmosphere (i.e., entrainment E), both of which have become targets of simulation and observational studies.

A planform view of cloud albedo (top) and a cross section (below) with vertical velocities colored, and cloud liquid contoured as represented by large-eddy simulation. Click to download the quicktime animations. Simulations such as these provide a valuable laboratory for evaluating theoretical ideas, and discovering new phenomena. These particular simulations were performed to compare simulated entrainment rates with those deduced from observations during DYCOMS-II.

Large-eddy simulation source code distribution.

 Animation showing albedo simualted by large-eddy simulations for the conditions of the first research flight of DYCOMS-II
The research vessel Seward Johnson during RICO View off the right wing of the C130 during RICO
SPolKa radar on Barbuda during RICO Launching a weather baloon from Spanish Point on Barbuda during RICO
Data, and its analysis, both constrains the theory and fertilizes the imagination. Some of the observational platforms integral to the recent RICO field study, are shown on the left. No, that is not Sartre with the Balloon.
Animation showing a cross section of simulated stratocumulus
Cartoon showing the use of Aquaplanets to study cloud feedbacks Large-scale simulation is key in putting all the pieces together, and for looking at how larger-scale constraints are applied. Here I show a cartoon by Brian Medeiros which he developed to illustrate the aquaplanet framework we are using to idealize and study cloud feedbacks on large-scale circulations and climate.