Researchers Combine Atmospheric Science with Heartland Farming
Field studies use aircraft, satellite and ground-based sensors to examine effects of land use on regional climate
This week, two major scientific field studies begin in Oklahoma to investigate major uncertainties in climate models—aerosols and clouds. Both campaigns are focused on fair weather clouds, but one is studying the influence of land surface changes, such as soil moisture on cloud formation, while the other is investigating the effects of urban aerosols on clouds. Given the influence of large-scale agricultural operations across the Great Plains area, this field research will gather important information about these relationships for regional climate change studies. To learn more, read the press release from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.