PhD in Atmospheric Science - Cloud Microphysics and Dynamics in Laramie United States | University of Wyoming

The study of cloud physics and dynamics forms a fundamental pillar of the department, serving as a primary research focus for many faculty members. This research aims to enhance comprehension of cloud microphysical mechanisms through observational studies (French and Geerts) while refining how these processes are depicted in numerical simulations (McCoy), spanning from individual clouds to global climate models. The interplay between cloud dynamics and microphysics is examined using the Wyoming Cloud Radar and Lidar (Geerts and French), with additional insights gained from detailed airborne measurements collected by the Wyoming King Air (French).

Certain studies explore the complex relationships between aerosols, clouds, and hydrometeors (McCoy), while others examine how precipitation naturally forms through both warm and cold cloud processes. Ongoing research projects investigate the effectiveness of cloud seeding and its impact on natural cloud development (French and Geerts). Similarly, analyzing how cloud properties vary by type, location, and temperature (McCoy) is crucial for understanding climate feedback mechanisms.