Observational and Theoretical Study of Convective Boundary Layers

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Understanding the atmospheric boundary layer and the effect it has on cloud growth is a fundamental meteorological problem that is important to a broad range of atmospheric questions ranging from venting of pollutants to the free atmosphere to the effect of cloud cover on climate. Observations (especially those from meteorological satellites) have clearly shown that clouds can form in distinctive and very organized patterns over expansive areas. For several years Dr. Agee has investigated well-organized mesoscale convective cloud patterns which result from the thermally-driven convective boundary layer over both land and water. The principal investigator will continue his work in this area using previously collected observational data, numerical models and theoretical studies to establish criteria for determining the onset, causative mechanisms and morphological characteristics of convection and to continue development of an observational classification system for thermal atmospheric convection.