Studies of Continental Stratocumulus Using a 94 GHz Radar

This project will investigate dynamic and physical processes in continental stratocumulus clouds using existing data sets from millimeter-wave radars and other remote and in situ instruments. Emphasis in the analysis will be on differences between the structure of these clouds and maritime stratocumulus clouds, which are thought to be better understood. Stratocumulus clouds are important because they are widespread and frequently occurring and can affect the transfer of solar and infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Central to the project is the use of vertically-pointing radar for estimating vertical air motions and the composition of the clouds, in particular the concentration of condensed water, the number density of drops, and the average drop size, all as functions of time and height. Accordingly, part of the effort will go to developing methods to improve these estimates, by combined use of a microwave radiometer and a laser ceilometer along with the radar. The goal of the project is to provide the data needed to evaluate and improve the numerical simulations produced by cloud models and large eddy simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer. Collaboration is planned with specialists in large eddy simulation to insure that the observations will be in a form suitable for comparison with the models.