Probing aerosol-cloud interactions in EPCAPE using measurements of water vapor isotopic composition

Principal Investigator: Joseph Galewsky, University of New Mexico

Co-Investigators: none

Unfunded Collaborators: Lynn Russell (Scripps, U California-San Diego); Allison Aiken (Los Alamos National Laboratory)

This research project aims to better understand how tiny particles in the air, called aerosols, interact with clouds and water vapor in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean near California. The researchers will use a unique approach by studying the different forms of water molecules in the air, known as isotopologues.

By measuring these water isotopologues along with various properties of aerosols and clouds at two sites - one at sea level and another on a nearby hill - the team hopes to gain new insights into how clouds form and evolve in this region. They're particularly interested in understanding how the mixing of air at different heights and the chemical makeup of aerosols affect cloud formation and the surrounding water vapor.

The project will take advantage of a large set of measurements collected during a recent field experiment, including data from some unusual weather events like Hurricane Hilary in 2023. The researchers will combine these observations with computer simulations to explore how coastal mountains might influence cloud patterns.

This study could help improve our understanding of marine clouds, which play a crucial role in Earth's climate. By shedding light on the complex interactions between aerosols, clouds, and water vapor, the research may contribute to more accurate climate predictions and a better grasp of how air pollution affects cloud formation.