Joint Meteorology & Oceanography Seminar

Title: Climate, Clouds and Teleconnections: Combustion Aerosol, Tropospheric Transport and Entrainment into the Boundary Layer

By: Antony Clarke
Researcher, Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai'i at Manoa

Abstract:

During the past two decades the links between atmospheric particles (aerosol) and cloud properties have become well recognized.

Increasing particle number leads to increasing cloud droplets and resulting cloud reflectivity or albedo. This suggests a global radiative forcing by clouds known as the "indirect effect".

It is now known that cloud lifletimes, vertical structure, precipitation, heating rates etc. are also subject to modification and associated feedbacks. Studies have often focussed on near surface airmasses with embedded clouds present immediately downwind of aerosol source regions.

Here we will discuss recent data on global scale impacts possible through pollution transport in the free troposphere that can later subside over clean regions and modify the aerosol and clouds many thousands of kilometers downwind.

Event Sponsor
Meteorology, Manoa Campus

More Information
Cherlyn, 956-8775, metdept@hawaii.edu, http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/MET

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