Dr. Drew Shindell, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA

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.

R. Paul Drake, Henry S. Carhart Collegiate Professor of Space Sciences, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan

"Science for the fun of it: chasing ionized matter around the lab and the universe"

This talk will be a tour of some of the high points of my travels through a few intellectual neighborhoods, and of things I found fun along the way. Having begun college with the intent to become a philosopher, I was lured away by the joy of doing physics. Then I discovered that in physics I could also get paid! This got me into grad school at Johns Hopkins, where I connected with a planetary spectroscopist (Warren Moos) who was applying his instruments in new ways to plasmas (ionized gasses). This led to work on magnetic fusion plasmas at Livermore lab, where unfortunately big decreases in funding closely followed my departure to go play with lasers. Laser fusion was fun until I got tired of my boss and took an opportunity to begin applying big lasers to basic science. A few years later the focus of this science became astrophysics – using big lasers to simulate exploding stars (in some sense). Michigan has been a great place to work with outstanding students while exploring the implications for astrophysics of the high-pressure dynamics we can create with big lasers. Henry Smith Carhart was likewise a meanderer – trained as a physicist, he got involved in electricity and ended up founding the electrical engineering department at Michigan.

Reception to follow

A new series of seminars for faculty and graduate students "Engineering Climate Change: Science, Economy and Policy" begins September 14.

Prof. Michael J. Prather

Fred Kavli Chair & Professor, Dept. of Earth System Science, University of California at Irvine

Chemical Modes and Feedbacks:  What controls Atmospheric Composition?

Alex Glocer
Postdoctoral Fellow, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Modeling the Space Environment System: Magnetospheric Composition, Radiation Belts, and Mercury’s Magnetosphere

The space environment is a complex system defined by regions of differing scales, characteristic energies, and physical processes. We utilize several models running together under the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF) to study this highly interconnected system. The methodology and results will be presented for three focused topics

Michigan AOSS Alum, Meteorologist and Reporter Andrew Humphrey on WDIV-TV Local 4

Shiliang Wu

Geological & Mining Engineering & Science

Michigan Tech