Darwin Community and Prospective Students Eager to Learn About TWP-ICE
On Sunday, February 5, the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE) science team took part in an “Open Day” at Charles Darwin University, where experiment headquarters is located. After brief introductions by University officials, Jim Mather and Christian Jakob provided an overview of the experiment during morning and afternoon sessions. Turnout for the event was better than anyone anticipated, with each session ending in standing-room only in the lecture theater (capacity of about 125). In addition, the visitors browsed with interest at the various informational displays and materials situated in the hall leading to the lecture theater. Science team members were on hand at the TWP-ICE and ARM display throughout the day to answer questions from visitors both young and old.
The Open Day, otherwise known as an open house in the states, was coordinated to thank the University for providing technical support and free use of the University facilities and infrastructure during the experiment. The 2-hour morning and afternoon seminar sessions consisted of a series of presentations by scientists and University staff, geared toward the general public and prospective students. In addition to the overview of TWP-ICE, topics included a mock weather briefing, a talk on tropical cyclones, and a segment on local “Top End” landscapes and climate.
