Aerosol impacts on cloud properties and precipitation variability over the Mid-Atlantic Region

The basis of this research was conducted during a research field campaign at Howard University Beltsville Campus (HUBC) in Beltsville, MD in the summer of 2010. The goal of this research was to investigate size distribution and cloud condensation nuclei characteristics of aerosols as a function of air mass types. The use of aerosol instruments help to develop different methods of understanding aerosols and their impacts on clouds and climate. Using in situ measurements contributes to the development of cloud resolving models and precipitation variability forecasting by utilizing our knowledge of Kohler Curves. These Kohler Curves can enhance cloud models, improve forecasting for precipitation, and add insight to thunderstorm dynamics and kinematics. Once these cloud models are deployed, high resolution research radars, such as NASA's EDOP radar, can be used to verify the model predictions.