The research activities proposed align with the CloudSat science objectives and contribute to what might be considered as the more general science promoted by the integrated A-Train observations. The research is organized into three connected areas that focus on analysis of CloudSat radar data with A-Train data to determine the structure, microphysics and radiative properties of global cloud systems. Each theme also has three main elements with the following goals:
- To document the global properties of clouds, precipitation and the relation between them. Since CloudSat provides first-of-a-kind observations tying clouds to precipitation, very elementary new knowledge is expected from these new cloud observations.
- To compare and contrast the CloudSat data with other data sources, including data from other A-Train sensors and model data, identifying sources of difference.
- To establish a broader level of understanding of the global scale factors that shape the cloud properties observed
Although the research mostly focuses on analysis of satellite data and related meteorological analysis, the study also involves comparative analysis of models both through modeling activities involving the PI and through collaborations with different modeling groups including the GEWEX Cloud System Study.
The proposal also includes a supplement (Attachment A) for the PI to serve as science leader of the new CloudSat science team.
