Mixed-Phase Cloud Characterization Sensor

Quantitative measurements of water in all phases are important to the modeling and understanding of clouds. In-situ measurements within the clouds are particularly important to obtain, but the in-situ measurement instrumentation has been too large and heavy to deploy on any platforms except manned aircraft, leading to high experiment costs and reduced observation opportunities. A cloud characterization sensor system which could be deployed on small aerial platforms such as balloons, blimps, kites, or small unmanned aircraft systems would enable such measurements to be undertaken in more cost-effective and widespread manners. A group of simple, inexpensive, standalone sensors will be developed that can quantify the liquid water content, supercooled liquid water content, and ice water content of clouds. These simple sensors will then be ruggedized and integrated into a comprehensive package for deployment on small aerial platforms for the complete characterization of all cloud types including mixed-phase clouds. In Phase I, new sensors for liquid water content and ice water content will be developed to go along with an existing supercooled liquid water content sensor. Key technologies that will enable these sensors to operate for extended periods of time will be developed and bench-tested. Preliminary calibrations will be completed for the new sensors. Summary for Members of Congress: Inexpensive and small sensors are needed to characterize clouds in support of atmospheric and climate research. A group of sensors which measure cloud water content and can be flown on disposable balloons or on reusable unmanned aircraft systems will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The new sensors, in both their standalone and integrated suite versions, will enable new research measurements to be collected and will also reduce the cost of obtaining measurements presently obtained with manned aircraft, thereby reducing the costs of scientific measurement campaigns. Lower costs will also enable more campaigns to be conducted on fixed budgets. Additional applications for the sensors will have benefits for infrastructure maintenance and agriculture.