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Research Expeditions |
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The atmosphere and other components of the
Earth system know no boundaries. Field projects reflect
that global nature, as well as the complexity of the scientific
puzzles to be solved. Major experiments may deploy
dozens to hundreds of researchers from a wide spectrum of
academic disciplines. These projects draw on the resources
and personnel of many national and international institutions,
deploying a host of sensors to bring back large quantities
of data. Some results emerge quickly, while others
take years of analysis to uncover. Computer models
that depict the atmosphere at work draw heavily on the knowledge
gleaned from field programs. |
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A health check for the
atmosphere
How do factories,
homes, and vehicles affect the air we breathe and the
climate that shapes us? Scientists from
NCAR and elsewhere travel around the globe to analyze
airborne pollutants in both pristine and urban areas. They
also study how pollutants mingle with water vapor, affect
cloud formation, and alter the balance of radiation to
and from Earth. more > |
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In search of better forecasts
Like ripples from a stone
thrown in a pond, a single storm system can influence
the atmosphere in far-off places days later. To help chart these effects, NCAR scientists
join others to canvass data-sparse areas, such as the
central Pacific Ocean, using aircraft, ships, and other
tools. NCAR also participates in field work on
a wide range of other weather topics, ranging from winter
highway safety to rainfall enhancement. more > |
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Going to extremes
From twisters on
the Great Plains to massive rainstorms in the Midwest, NCAR
scientists and colleagues study some of the world’s wildest weather in person. By
taking sophisticated instruments close to the action,
they gather observations to help understand the microphysics
and dynamics that drive severe weather. more > |
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Exploring the earth system
Together
with a diverse set of colleagues, NCAR is increasingly
involved with research on the interconnected parts of
our planet’s anatomy—land, ice, water, plants,
and air—known as the Earth system. Some of
their field work sheds light on how the land and atmosphere
exchange heat, moisture, and energy. Other field
projects examine the climate and ecosystems of polar
regions and the chemical interactions between plants
and the atmosphere. more > |
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Capturing a solar eclipse
For years,
the only way solar scientists could get a clear view
of the vast, faint atmosphere surrounding the Sun was
during the fleeting moments of a total solar eclipse. Even
though Sun-monitoring satellites are now stationed in space,
eclipses remain a vital window for research on the solar
atmosphere. NCAR’s High Altitude Observatory
has taken instruments to the far corners of the globe to
capture eclipse data in more than a dozen expeditions spanning
over half a century. more > |
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Staging a field campaign
It takes intensive planning, coordination, negotiation,
and technical skills to pull off a successful research
expedition. UOP experts ensure that field programs from
the poles to the tropics come off smoothly, despite the
challenges of working in remote locations. more > |
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Related
News Releases |
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Newsletter
Articles |
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| Laboratories & Programs |
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| Recent & Planned Expeditions |
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