An overview of the California State University- Mobile Atmospheric Profiling System (CSU-MAPS) for research and education in mountain meteorology

The California State University Mobile Atmospheric Profiling System (CSU-MAPS) is a portable atmospheric observatory developed jointly by San Jose and San Francisco State Universities to monitor boundary layer phenomena. The system is based on a quick-deploy dual-axel trailer platform and consists of four levels micrometeorological instrumentation mounted on a 30-m extendable tower. The system as includes a Radiometrics, MP-3000A passive microwave temperature/RH profiler, a Leosphere, Inc. WLS 70 Doppler Wind Lidar, and a Vaisala, Inc. MW 31 radiosonde system. The CSU-MAPS will provide a mobile profiling platform that can easily be transported to remote sites for research applications. In addition, the system is intended to provide hands-on experience and training for undergraduate and graduate students and will also be used for outreach to K-12 students in the California public school system.