Understanding the Effects of Aerosols on Cloud Microphysics in Coastal Urban Environments

Several studies have found evidence of warm-season rainfall increases over and downwind of cities. This induced precipitation has been attributed mostly to induced updraft of warm air masses. Aerosols are abundant in urban environments and it has been hypothesized that they play a role in the water balance of cities. High concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) may induce precipitation in humid urban environments. However precipitation may be reduced due to excess CCNs or by large aerosols. The present research is directed at improving our understanding of the role of aerosols in cloud processes of complex coastal urban environments via natural observation and computational modeling.