The ICECAPS experiment — An overview of the Integrated Characterization of Energy, Clouds, Atmospheric state, and Precipitation at Summit, Greenland

Since spring of 2010, atmospheric and cloud properties have been continuously measured at Summit Station, Greenland as part of the ICECAPS experiment. The observing capabilities include both active (radar, lidar, and sodar) and passive (microwave radiometer and infrared spectrometer) instruments. Twice-daily radiosondes are also being launched. Using these data, the ICECAPS team is advancing understanding of atmospheric processes over Greenland. The atmosphere is dry and cold relative to other Arctic locations with strong near-surface temperature and humidity inversions throughout the year. Because of this, horizontal advection of moisture is important for forming and maintaining local clouds. Liquid water clouds are observed throughout the year even in winter. Low-level stratiform clouds are common at Summit and are similar to clouds in other Arctic locations. Several research collaborations with other scientists are on-going as part of the ICECAPS project, and the data are available for others who are interested in Greenland weather and climatem as well as model and satellite validation.