Weekly Talk by Armin Sorooshian: Reflecting on Two Decades of Flying In and Out of Clouds

Available in person and via zoom (see email for link)

Abstract

Aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions are an important part of weather and the climate system, and linked to the largest uncertainty in estimates of total anthropogenic radiative forcing. This is due to many reasons, which include the logistical challenge of studying clouds and because the seeds of droplets (aerosol particles) are always on the move spatially while continuously evolving in terms of their properties. Airborne research is critical to build data, and thus knowledge, about the relationships between trace gases, aerosol particles, and clouds.

This seminar will report on experiences and knowledge gained from over hundreds of research flights, starting from my graduate studies to the current day, involving field campaigns specifically geared towards flying in and out of clouds. An important aspect of these experiences includes learning about how clouds themselves affect particles via cloud chemical reactions, vertical redistribution of particles, and wet scavenging. Selected results from campaigns in diverse regions (northeast Pacific, tropical West Pacific, continental U.S., northwest Atlantic, Arctic) will demonstrate what we have learned scientifically and advanced technologically. Lessons learned from being involved with approximately 20 field campaigns will be shared.

Bio

Armin Sorooshian is a Professor and University Distinguished Scholar in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Arizona. Starting from his doctoral work at Caltech in Chemical Engineering, he has 20 years of experience in instrument development, field work, laboratory characterization experiments, and data analysis targeting air pollutants, clouds, and precipitation. Since 2004, he has been involved in 18 airborne field projects, with seven as a mission PI including ACTIVATE, which is an Earth Venture Suborbital (EVS) NASA mission. Armin is the recipient of AGU’s Joanne Simpson Medal and is a Fellow of AGU and AAAS.