Joachim Kuettner and Tropical Meteorology

Over a 40-year period, Joach Kuettner was a principal organizer and scientist of some of the constitutive field programs held in the tropics. These experiments range from the GATE tropical Atlantic Experiment, the Monsoon experiments (MONEX), the Tropical Ocean-Global Atmosphere coupled ocean-atmosphere response experiment (TOGA COARE) and the Central Pacific Experiment (CEPEX). They formed the crucible where hypotheses were made and dismissed and which led to the observational foundation of our current knowledge of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system and our ability to predict its future state. I will trace the evolution of how we have perceived the tropical climate system through time as a result of these experiments. Because of Kuettner's leadership and mentorship these experiments also served as incubators for the personal development of a large number of young scientists who now, in the mature periods of their careers, carry forth his ideals.