Research

Cloud Systems

Our group is recognized around the world as having expertise in studying precipitation systems using satellite, aircraft, and ground based r

emote sensing. We have participated in more than a dozen field campaigns to observe phenomena of interest. We also use mesoscale numerical models to study the dynamical processes within clouds which lead to their observed structure and morphology. Specific foci of this research include understanding factors controlling the distribution of precipitation, precipitation intensity, lightning production, its diurnal cycle, and the vertical structure of precipitation.

Remote sensing of precipitation using spaceborne radar and passive microwave techniques

Our research uses the latest in spaceborne sensors, as well as ground validation data (including polarimetric radar, aircraft in situ, radar, and passive microwave measurements, and ground based rain gauges and distrometers) to reduce measurement errors involved in the remote sensing of precipitation. We also perform studies to address the sampling error in remote sensing precipitation processes.

Tropical Cyclones

Our group participates in NASA's Hurricane Science Research Program. Our participation includes NASA's August-September 2010 Genesis and Rapid Intensification Project (GRIP) field project based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Dryden Air Force Base, CA. This field project will involve the first use

of a high-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV (NASA's Global Hawk aircraft) in tropical Cyclone research. We will also aid in directing missions from the ground as well as participate in airborne flights through storms aboard NASA's DC-8 aircraft. The Global Hawk will allow long duration surveillence (20-35 hours of continuous flight) of tropical cyclones, giving us insight on processes related to tropical cyclone genesis and intensity change. We also use long-term passive microwave satellite observations from SSM/I and TMI to examine the structural changes of storms related to tropical cyclone intensity change.

Surface-Atmosphere Interaction

Our research also investigates the role of the land and ocean surface in controlling our precipitation climate. Over land, our focus is on how land surface processes in complex terrain influence the timing and evolution of atmospheric convective processes. We are currently involved in two field projects (India and New Mexico) to study such interactions, as well as performing mesoscale model simulations with advanced land surface initialization and physics. Over ocean, we are interested in how the ocean surface in open ocean and coastal locations interacts with the atmosphere to produce the observed preciptiation climate.

Interested in our research?