Description:

Clouds, in particular the frozen phase, bring about the largest challenge and uncertainties to the weather prediction and climate projections. This is mainly due to our lack of understanding of cloud/snow ice microphysics and over-simplified representation in models. On a broader sense, although weather systems and their evolvement are largely determined by the large-scale dynamics, the details are highly coupled among hydrometeor microphysics, wave dynamics (turbulence) and large-scale dynamics, and it's the itsy bitsy details that impact our daily life and decision makings. This position opens multitude directions under this general topic. Depending on the applicant's interests and strengths, you can consider one or multiple subtopics that our group is particular interested in and invests on: (1) ice microphysics remote sensing from infrared to microwave spectra (TIR, FIR, sub-mm, MW); (2) cloud retrieval algorithm development with focus on using the polarimetric signals, the new FIR or sub-mm bands, and/or the ML/AI approach; (3) ML/AI application on system/pattern tracking on satellite images across different platforms; (4) cloud-wave coupling at turbulence to gravity wave scales, from planetary boundary layer to the mesosphere and above. 

Field of Science: Earth Science
Advisors:

Jie Gong
Jie.Gong@nasa.gov
(301) 614-6154