Atmosphere Ocean Science Colloquium

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Boundary Layer Thermodynamic Surveillance for High-Impact Local Weather Forecasting

Speaker: Randolph 'Stick' Ware, Radiometrics Corporation

Location: Warren Weaver Hall 1302

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 3:30 p.m.

Synopsis:

It is widely accepted that continuous boundary layer thermodynamic (and wind) observations are needed to improve local high-impact weather modeling and forecasting. I will present continuous boundary layer thermodynamic and liquid profiles derived from microwave radiometer observations at San Francisco and other locations. These data closely correlate with local weather events including convection, fog, wind and solar energy, and icing. Boundary layer winds also play an important role in these weather events. I will discuss (1) the basic physics of thermodynamic profiling via microwave radiometry, along with case studies, (2) using the NYU CAOS radiometer to improve fog forecasting, and (3) opportunities associated with 17 thermodynamic and wind profiling sites planned by the NY MesoNet, including three in Manhattan.