Continuous Spatial and Radiative Measurements of Arctic Clouds Leading to a Network of Compact Infrared Cloud Imagers

要了解不断变化的北极气候，需要详细了解北极云的空间和辐射特性。然而，量化云的时间和空间分布与辐射影响之间的关系需要更连续和准确的测量。北极陆基长波红外云成像仪网络可以填补目前卫星和地面云传感器能力方面的重要差距。该项目将部署一台红外线云成像仪(ICI)，在阿拉斯加州巴罗连续(昼夜)测量北极云的时空分布和光学特性，同时还将开发这一独特仪器的新的紧凑型版本，使未来能够在整个非沿海北极地区运行自主云传感器网络。ICI数据将有助于对云的时空变异性和云的辐射强迫等关系进行许多研究。更广泛的影响将包括在NSF和能源部(DOE)之间的跨机构合作中提供立即有价值的数据流，帮助在阿拉斯加巴罗的阿拉斯加北坡设施建立长期需要的日云量测量能力，以及为工程和科学方面的研究生和本科生提供独特的跨学科培训。

Understanding the changing Arctic climate requires detailed knowledge of the spatial and radiative properties of Arctic clouds. However, quantifying the relationships between cloud temporal and spatial distribution and radiative impacts requires more continuous and accurate measurements. Important gaps in the capabilities of current satellite- and ground-based cloud sensors can be filled with an Arctic network of ground-based long-wave infrared cloud imagers. This project will deploy an Infrared Cloud Imager (ICI) to measure the spatial and temporal distribution and optical properties of Arctic clouds continuously (day and night) for a full annual cycle at Barrow, Alaska, while also developing a new, compact version of this unique instrument that will enable future operation of a network of autonomous cloud sensors throughout the non-coastal Arctic. ICI data will enable many studies on relationships such as cloud spatial-temporal variability and cloud radiative forcing. Broader impacts will include providing an immediately valuable data stream in a cross-agency cooperation between the NSF and the Department of Energy (DOE), helping to establish the long-needed capability of diurnal cloud amount measurements at the North Slope of Alaska facility in Barrow, Alaska, and providing unique cross-disciplinary training of graduate and undergraduate students in engineering and science.