Collaborative Research: Formation and Perpetuation of Rifts and Gradients in Optical and Microphysical Properties of Maritime Stratus and Stratocumulus

这项研究的目的是确定造成大而明显的裂缝和梯度的形成和持久存在的机制，这些裂缝和梯度常见于卫星观测的其他均匀层云和层积云云层。由跨学科遥控飞机研究中心(CIRPAS)运营的全仪器双水獭飞机将测量无云地区及其周围的云和气溶胶特性。将对这些数据进行分析，目的是产生海洋边界层的物理模型，解释裂缝的形成和寿命。航班将从加利福尼亚州蒙特利起飞。这项研究的结果将对模拟气溶胶和暖云过程、了解海洋云的辐射特性和解释卫星数据有价值。该项目由Jonsson博士与迈阿密大学的Philip Durkee博士(合作者)和Bruce Albrecht博士合作支持。

The objective of this study is to determine the mechanism responsible for the formation and perpetuation of large and conspicuous rifts and gradients often visible in satellite observations of otherwise uniform stratus and stratocumulus cloud decks. A fully instrumented Twin Otter aircraft operated by the Center for Interdisciplinary Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS) will measure cloud and aerosol properties in and around the cloud-free regions. The data will be analyzed with the purpose of producing a physical model of the marine boundary layer that explains the formation and longevity of the rifts. Flights will be conducted from Monterey, California. Results of the study will be valuable for modeling aerosol and warm cloud processes, understanding the radiative properties of maritime clouds, and for interpretation of satellite data. The project is supported as a collaboration between Dr. Jonsson and Dr. Philip Durkee (Co-PI) and Dr. Bruce Albrecht at the University of Miami.