Description:

Observations of all types of hydrometeors underpin the development and evaluation of continuously evolving microphysics schemes and form the constraints for remotely-sensed retrievals. Despite the importance microphysics has on models of all scales, significant uncertainty for these processes still exist. This can be attributed to the relatively few microphysical measurements made both spatially and temporally. Challenges facing the development and deployment of instrumentation include sampling strategies, costs, and hazardous environments that stress instrument hardware. This session seeks abstracts dedicated to the next generation of instruments capable of identifying various properties of hydrometeors such as type, size, and quantity. Special consideration will be given to abstracts that use novel techniques to increase sampling volume, lower cost barriers, or sample hydrometeors/environments not typically observed. In line with the 2021 AMS meeting theme, abstracts are also welcomed that demonstrate or discuss how instruments can be used to engage the public and community stakeholders.