The mission of Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes is to conduct research to understand the physics and dynamics of atmospheric processes through the use of satellite, aircraft and surface-based remote sensing observations and computer-based simulations. Development of advanced remote sensing instrumentation (primarily lidar) and techniques to measure meteorological parameters in the troposphere is an important focus. Key areas of investigation are cloud and precipitation systems and their environments from the scale of individual clouds and thunderstorms through mesoscale convective systems and cyclonic storms, and up to the scale of the impact of these systems on regional and global climate. The processes of the interaction of the atmosphere with the land and ocean surface beneath it are also of high priority. The staff consists of approximately 60 people, including 10 civil servants, post-doctoral personnel, university affiliates and individuals associated with private companies. Approximately 34 members have Ph.D.'s and the rest are split between those with Master's degrees in the Atmospheric Sciences or related fields and other specialists in programming, laboratory, administrative and outreach support.
Research may be broadly categorized into these areas:
CONUS Precipitation
Continuous United States and Puerto Rico: Current 1-Day Observed Precipitation - click here for full size
The CALIPSO-CloudSat Validation Experiment's two overarching goals: 1. Establish sensitivity and calibration for CloudSat and Calipso - orbital coordination. 2. Initial microphysical validation - A-Train simulation.
The Costa Rica Aura Validation Experiment (CR-AVE) is a mission designed to explore the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) and to provide information for comparison to satellite observations.
The Cloud Physics Lidar, or CPL, is a backscatter lidar designed to operate simultaneously at 3 wavelengths: 1064, 532, and 355 nm. The purpose of the CPL is to provide multi-wavelength measurements of cirrus, subvisual cirrus, and aerosols with high temporal and spatial resolution.
CoSMIR is an airborne, 9-channel total power radiometer that was originally developed for the calibration/validation of the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager/ Sounder (SSMIS), a new-generation conical scanning radiometer for the DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Project) F-series satellites.
