![NASA satellite image above Peru shows self-organizing honeycomb cloud pattern](images/highlight.jpg)
Image: NASA satelliteResearch Highlight Uncovering Oscillating Patterns in Clouds: Significant implications for our understanding of climate change research.
Cloud & Aerosol Processes
Dr. Daniel M. Murphy, Program Lead
Jennifer Marshall, Secretary (303) 497-3935
NOAA ESRL Chemical Sciences Division
325 Broadway R/CSD2
Boulder, CO 80305 USA
Focus
The Cloud and Aerosol Processes program in the Chemical Sciences Division studies processes of importance to climate, air quality, and precipitation.
Measurements
We measure the chemical, physical, and optical properties of aerosol particles from aircraft, ships, and ground sites as well as in the laboratory. By combining these with gas-phase and other measurements, we learn about the sources, sinks, and radiative properties of these particles. We also collaborate with aircraft measurements of cloud droplets.
Modeling
We model the physical and radiative properties of clouds, including large eddy simulation models, mesoscale models, and detailed models of cloud chemistry. These model results are compared to in-situ and remote sensing data.
Collaborations
We participate in regional and global scale studies of aerosol and cloud properties from satellite data and monitoring networks. These studies lead to improved understanding of atmospheric processes with a strong emphasis on communicating this understanding through scientific publications, assessments, and development of instrumentation and modeling tools.
Recent Publications![]() An increase in soot contributes to climate change as shipping routes expand. |
Current Projects![]() The SENEX mission focuses on the nexus of air quality and climate change in the Southeast. |
Modeling Systems![]() Model results are compared to in-situ and remote sensing data. |
Instrumentation![]() Chemical, physical, and optical properties of aerosol particles and cloud physics. |