- Ref: CNS2023-145435
- Funding agency: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
- Realization: 01/04/2024 - 30/06/2026
- PI: Francisco Navas Guzmán
- Researchers: Daniel Pérez Ramírez (University of Granada), Arlett Díaz Zurita (University of Granada), Jorge Muñiz Rosado (University of Granada), David Whiteman (University of Howard, United States), Alexander Haefele (MeteoSwiss)
Summary
Simultaneous measurements of water vapor and temperature are of utmost importance for various aspects of atmospheric study, such as radiative transfer, vertical stability, buoyancy, convective processes, and cloud and precipitation formation. Measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution in the lower troposphere are vital to effectively resolve gradients, water vapor layers, and temperature inversions. Despite the importance of accurate measurements of water vapor and temperature profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere, available data sets are limited, especially in the upper troposphere-lower stratosphere (UTLS) region. Current sensors, such as radiosondes and satellite measurements, have limitations in spatial and temporal resolutions.
Given the difficulties related to climate and weather predictions, highly accurate measurements of water vapor and temperature profiles throughout the troposphere and stratosphere, with a focus on the UTLS region, are imperative. To address these needs, water vapor and temperature lidars have been included in the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). NDACC has expanded its priorities to monitor other atmospheric species and assess their impacts in the stratosphere and troposphere, recognizing the important effect of changes in atmospheric composition on the thermal structure of the atmosphere.
In this context, the present proposal seeks to establish a pioneering research initiative dedicated to the comprehensive analysis of water vapor and temperature dynamics in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Leveraging state-of-the-art Raman lidar called ALVICE (Atmospheric Laboratory for Validation, Interinstitutional Collaboration and Education), developed by Dr. David Whiteman at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center and now transferred to Howard University, where Dr. Whiteman is a principal investigator, the project aims to improve meteorological and climate studies through innovative approaches.
The implementation of ALVICE at the Andalusia Global Atmosphere Observatory (AGORA), located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, as part of a long-term research collaboration, will significantly enhance AGORA's capabilities, enabling highly accurate and detailed measurements of water vapor and temperature profiles.
Thanks to the support provided by the VERTAS project, the ALVICE instrument would be installed in AGORA's infrastructure for an initial duration of 5 years, with the possibility of a longer time extension. This collaboration will significantly enhance AGORA's thermodynamic capabilities, allowing highly accurate and detailed measurements of water vapor and temperature profiles. During the 2-year duration of the VERTAS project, the main focus will be to achieve full operational status of the ALVICE system, carry out validation activities, assimilate lidar data and integrate our station into the most relevant international networks for measuring these variables.