| Summary: | The work of this research grant involves the integration and analysis of measurements from the surface-based sites at SHEBA (Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic), Barrow, and the new observatory in Eureka, Canada, as well as satellite data over the northern polar region. In effect, this project will coordinate existing, yet disparate, Arctic cloud measurements into a coherent network of observations that are useful for understanding the broader roles of clouds in Arctic climate and for evaluating the performance of global models in the Arctic. The researchers will use measurements from a wide array of data sources to address questions related to the spatial and temporal variability of Arctic clouds. This research work addresses many stated objectives and goals for both SEARCH (Study of Environmental Arctic Change) project. SEARCH has identified the need for long-term observations of important Arctic climate parameters, such as clouds, and has recognized the value of coordinated surface-satellite activities, both of which are fundamental components of this grant. By making the link between disparate observations at multiple sites to a comprehensive, long-term cloud data set, this study is a combination of "Observing Activities" and "Understanding Activities," two components of the SEARCH objectives. The results of this project will be broadly disseminated in various ways. Researchers will give presentations, posters, and slide shows to the scientific community and the general public and research will be used in curriculum development at the University of Idaho. They will also create educational web pages for the general public and for classroom use on Arctic cloud research through our data site.
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