Dept. of Geosciences Colloquium: Shallow Green Cumulus Over Land

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/83294569872?pwd=WmdPUWRPdGVQejIvcXhsQmFJY094UT09

​Abstract:

This presentation delves into greenCu, organized shallow convective cumulus clouds found above forests and vegetated areas worldwide, impacting the Earth's energy and water budgets. Despite their cooling effect, uncertainties in their response to predicted thermodynamic changes complicate our understanding of the climate system. Employing various approaches, a detailed examination of the greenCu class will be shown. Visual classification based on satellite images reveals consistent features, including cloud size distributions, cloud fraction, and top heights. Machine-learning classification scales up the analysis, providing insights into associated meteorological conditions. Geostationary satellites and EOF analysis uncover key organizational features such as cloud streets and gravity wave propagation. In conclusion, this presentation sheds light on greenCu's distinctive characteristics, contributing to a broader understanding of shallow cloud field organization and its implications for the Earth's climate system.

Event Organizer: Dr. Roy Barkan