Climate and Radiation Processes Fellowship (ARM Related)

 

This research focuses on understanding physical processes in the atmosphere and at the surface that affect radiation balance of the Earth’s climate. Specific topics include (1) cloud radiative effects, and the dynamic and thermodynamic processes affecting the generation, maintenance, and dissipation of clouds; (2) micro- and macro-physical properties of clouds, and cloud liquid water content; (3) estimation of surface radiative fluxes, sensible, and latent heat fluxes over ocean and land; and (4) the greenhouse effect of clouds and water vapor, including the detection of climate variability and modeling trends from long-term satellite data. Investigations include modeling and analysis of radiation data from SORCE, radiation heat budget and TOVS data from NOAA operational satellites, and radiation measurements from the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program. Cloud parameters derived from the MODIS, MISR, Cloudsat and CALIPSO satellites are used to study the effect of clouds on atmospheric and surface radiation. Research also involves developing new and improved techniques for remote sensing of atmospheric and surface parameters from TERRA, AQUA and AURA satellites and aircraft measurements. Opportunities exist to participate in national and international field experiments.