The CALIPSO satellite mission offers new information on the vertical structure and properties of aerosols and clouds over the globe. CALIPSO will join four other satellites in the Afternoon satellite constellation (A-Train) to obtain near simultaneous observations of aerosol and clouds, radiative fluxes, and controlling thermodynamic properties that are needed to better understand and quantify aerosol forcings and cloud feedback processes. We propose to analyze and integrate satellite measurements and model simulations to shed new light on governing processes in several key areas outlined below. This investigation seeks to enhance the strong collaboration established between the U.S. and France during the development of the CALIPSO mission. Activities will focus in two areas:
ARCTIC STUDIES.
The Arctic is witnessing significant environmental changes that are not well understood. At present there are large uncertainities in satellite cloud and aerosol climatologies in the polar regions. We will use CALIPSO observations to improve our understanding of the role of aerosols and clouds in modifying the radiation budget of the Arctic. We will also use these data to identify major transport pathways of anthropogenic emissions into and away from the Arctic. Through this investigation, the team seeks to participate in and contribute to the International Polar Year with new knowledge of aerosol and cloud properties.
WEST AFRICAN AEROSOL.
The West African Monsoon (WAM) is composed of a variety of interactions between synoptic scale disturbances and convective complexes that impact both tropical and mid latitude regions. The WAM region is also characterized by high abundances of aerosols from dust and biomass burning sources which may modify cloud processes and affect the hydrologic cycle. This investigation will seek to better understand the properties of aerosols in this region and their feedbacks on radiative and dynamical processes. This effort will be integrated within the international WAM field experiment to be conducted throughout 2006.
ORGANIZATION.
Dr. Dave Winker is the PI of the CALIPSO satellite mission and seeks to lead the CALIPSO Science Team formed under this NRA. He offers a unique understanding of all aspects of the mission: instrument history, algorithm development, validation, and science analysis. His role will be aimed at supporting other science investigations using the CALIPSO data set as well as promoting new uses of the data for studies or applications.
The investigation will be supported by Dr. Jacques Pelon (under separate funding) and Dr. Chip Trepte. Dr. Pelon is a Co-PI of the CALIPSO mission, leads the French CALIPSO team , and is responsible for the CALIPSO Infrared Imaging Radiometer. Dr. Trepte is a Co-I of the CALIPSO mission and has been a primary participant involved in the design and development of the mission.
