Clouds in the Earth's atmosphere have a significant impact on its energy budget and also on the hydrological cycle. Therefore for accurate predictions of both weather and climate, clouds must be well represented within regional and global numerical models.

The FAAM BAe 146 aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for measuring the number, size and chemical composition of aerosol particles, cloud droplets and ice crystals. Our aircraft observations are analysed in conjunction with measurements of the associated dynamical and radiative properties of the clouds to improve our understanding of the microphysical processes responsible for their formation and structure. These processes can then be better represented in numerical models.

Current research topics include the following.

• Precipitation development in cumulus clouds
• Ice nucleation and the evolution of the ice phase
• Instrumentation for cloud physics studies

For more information about the work of the cloud physics group please contact the manager of the group through the Customer Centre.