Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes: Mission
Our mission is to conduct research to understand the physics and dynamics of atmospheric processes through the use of satellite, aircraft and surface-based remote sensing observations and computer-based simulations.
Environmental Influences on the Strength of Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby formed just off the African coast in August 2006 but failed to intensify beyond a moderate tropical storm. The reasons for Debby’s demise has been a subject of considerable recent debate. In particular, the warm, dry Saharan Air Layer (SAL) has generally been assumed to have weakened Debby and many other Atlantic tropical cyclones, but very recent research suggests this may not be the case. Click here to view slide in Science Highlights
Aerosol Observations and Cloud Contamination: Detection of thin cirrus bias using MPLNET
Aerosol-cloud interactions affect aerosol physical properties (i.e., size) and in turn their influence on solar radiation and possibly cloud formation and rainfall. The optical thickness of aerosols (AOT) and clouds is derived from passive satellite and ground instruments and is used to determine their influence on climate. It is important to accurately measure both aerosol and cloud optical thickness and avoid cloud contamination in AOT measurements. Data collected from the NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) are being used to provide cirrus cloud detection/heights with co-incident AOT measurements from the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). Click here to view slide in Science Highlights
CONUS Precipitation
Continuous United States and Puerto Rico: Current 1-Day Observed Precipitation - click here for full size
Mesoscale Processes News
- Mahasen (Northern Indian Ocean)
NASA’s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite known as TRMM measured Cyclone Mahasen’s rainfall rates from space as it made landfall on May 16. - Alvin (Eastern Pacific Ocean)
Satellite imagery revealed that Tropical Storm Alvin became a remnant low pressure area 36 hours after it was named.
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Questions or Comments
General inquiries about the scientific programs at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center may be directed to the Center Public Affairs office at 1.301.286.8955
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