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An Automated System for Measuring Microphysical and Radiative Cloud Characteristics from a Tethered Balloon--SPEC Incorporated, 5401 Western Avenue, Boulder, CO  80301; 303-449-1105

Dr. R. Paul Lawson, Principal Investigator

Dr. R. Paul Lawson, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-00ER83094

Amount:  $69,990

 

Arctic stratus clouds have a major effect on the earth’s radiation balance and a potential impact on global climate change.  Cloud microphysical properties are critical variables for improving the representation of arctic clouds and their interaction with radiation within global climate models.  Up to now, in situ measurements of cloud properties have been available for only the limited (6 to 8 hr) duration of research aircraft.   Long-term, statistically-significant microphysical measurements in arctic clouds are needed to validate remote measurements and as inputs for global climate models.  We propose to design, build and test a lightweight, low-power, digital imaging probe and heated-tethered balloon system that is capable of making sustained microphysical measurements in arctic clouds.  In Phase I, we propose to design a light-weight, low-power, digital imaging probe and heated-tethered balloon system that is capable of making sustained microphysical measurements.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  With the anticipated launch of the upcoming NASA EOS constellation of cloud observation satellites (i.e., EOS PM-1, Picasso, Cloudsat, etc.), long-term cloud monitoring using tethered balloons at strategic sites around the globe will greatly benefit both the DOE and NASA radiation measurement programs.  Spin-off applications of the digital imaging probe will be found in industry.  For example, a small, automated digital imaging probe could monitor the particulate in the effluent of oil-fueled power plants.  The images would be scanned for unburned fuel (which is indicated by drops of fuel with black carbon centers), and send information to the fuel controller to automatically control the burn mixture in real time.