Weather Modification Related Physical Studies of Rocky Mountain Cloud Systems

这项研究是对先前获得的对科罗拉多州北部落基山脉冬季云层的实地观测分析的延续。目标是表征和描述发生在不同类型天气系统的自然云和种子云中，当它们在落基山脉上空发展和移动时的微物理过程。将使用独特的工具组合，包括雷达、飞机、高空数据、双波长辐射计、偏振激光雷达、地面观测和数值模型。这项调查的结果将增加对山云过程许多方面的认识，包括：了解通过人工影响天气增加供水的潜力；改善山区天气预报；山地云层中的飞机作战；以及评价与云和雪化学有关的环境问题。

This research is a continuation of analyses of previously obtained field observations in winter clouds over the northern Colorado Rockies. The goals are to characterize and describe microphysical processes taking place within natural and seeded clouds for various types of weather systems as they develop and move over the Rocky Mountains. A unique combination of tools including radar, aircraft, upper air data, dual-wavelength radiometers, polarized lidar, surface observations and numerical models will be used. The results of this investigation will increase knowledge of many aspects of mountain cloud processes including: understanding the potential of water supply augmentation by weather modification; improved mountain weather forecasts; aircraft operations in mountain clouds; and evaluation of environmental issues related to cloud and snow chemistry.