The King of All Clouds: ... here to rule the skiesCourtesy akakumoDid you know that mathematical equations can calculate the temperature, wind speed, and humidity of clouds? Well, the Center for Multiscale Modeling of Atmospheric Processes (CMMAP, pronounced “see-map”) is using these equations and developing a revolutionary approach to climate modeling that will help us understand the roles of clouds today and in the future.
So what is climate modeling exactly? Good question. Think of a giant grid that covers the globe, with cells the size of Delaware. Within each grid, the mathematical equations that I mentioned above are used to predict weather forecasts and climate simulations. But there’s a problem with this grid system: the clouds are much smaller than the cells used in the global models, thus creating a large source of uncertainty in today’s climate models.
CMMAP has come up with a solution to this problem called multi-scale modeling framework (MMF). Their radical new approach will simulate realistic cloud processes in a tiny-fraction of each Delaware-sized cell, greatly improving the climate model. In order to represent each small-scale process, scientists have invented equations that define the temperature and moisture content in a cloud based on the atmospheric conditions in the entire grid cell. Though this is quite an advancement from the technologies of the past, there is still work to be done to accurately represent clouds in the climate model. As developments in MMF continue, CMMAP could potentially hold the key that is necessary in unlocking the mystery to understanding the weather and climate.
If you’d like to learn more about the formation of clouds or more research that CMMAP is conducting, check out the links!
.................intresting
I lik what you put about clouds.
this is rreally cool
Gotta love clouds all kinds of cloudes :) clouds clouds clouds
Especially Rain clouds.
They're the best
i like clouds to i like it when it is cloudy and windy
Clouds make rain and give water to animals and plants and people. They help the land.
These look really interesting to make. If i were to make a project on clouds I would totally do it. Thanksfor giving me the perfect science project. I really appreciate it.
How are clouds formed. Do they just appear in the sky? I would really like to know. They should make aa movie on it since i don't really like to read. This is very interesting. I hope this bussiness stays bc i wowuld really like to come back and see this place still standing when i am bigger and have kids so that my kids can see this amazing site about the clouds. Thanks so much for this for the great opportunity to see how clouds are formed and many other things about clouds. It was awsome to visit here and learn new things every day. It has been a great adventure for me and my family
when i was little i thought that clouds were something people could sleep on and like live on!!!!!!
how dumb of me!!!!!!:)
My compliments to the exhibit designers - it's nice to see an accurate portrayal of some of the scientific evidence for a "discernible human influence" on global climate. Let me know if you are interested in a guest lecture! Ben Santer, LLNL
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