Johnny Luo, Asst. Professor of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, City College of New York

On the use of A-Train data to estimate convective buoyancy and entrainment

Abstract: Traditionally, convective processes are studied most often using data collected during field campaigns and CRM simulations. Satellite observations of convection are paid less attention to in the research community (but are extensively used in the operational meteorological services) probably because they do not offer as “detailed” a view of convective systems. However, with the launch of new generation sensors, most notably TRMM and CloudSat, we are now able to view convection from fundamentally new standpoint, and by relating these new dimensions of earth observations to existing satellite capability, we are entering into a stage where innovative analysis of satellite data reveal tremendous new insights into convective processes.    This presentation shows a few examples from my recent research on the use of A-Train (mainly CloudSat) to study tropical convective buoyancy and entrainment.    Comparison with aircraft data will also be discussed.