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OBJECTIVES

  • front We take a synergistic and interdisciplinary approach to apply space-based observations, ground-based measurements, and numerical model to study the coupled ocean-atmosphere system.

  • We improve the monitoring, from space, of ocean-atmosphere exchanges in momentum, heat and water.

  • We study how these exchanges force ocean circulation and distribute the heat, water, greenhouse gases, and nutrients stored in the ocean.

  • We examine the effect of these exchanges on the energy and hydrologic balances in the atmosphere.

  • We focus on seasonal-to-interannual variability and predictability, but also examine how such variability is affected by shorter time scales (intra-seasonal) changes and longer time scales (decadal) trend. We are planning to study the manifest of long-term and global variability in local and near-term hazards, such as hurricane and monsoon.


    STATEMENTS

  • The 3-5 year life cycles and repeated global coverage of spaceborne sensors are conducive to the studies of SEASONAL-INTERANNUAL variability and predictability.

  • The high resolution and synoptic perspectives of spaceborne sensors improve the monitoring and understanding of transient NATURAL HAZARDS.

  • With expected continuous development, spaceborne sensors will reveal not only the effects of short-term (INTRASEASONAL) but also long-term(DECADAL) changes on seasonal-interannual variabilities. The manifest of global and long-term changes on local and near-term weather and hazards are being pursued.

  • From the vantage point of space, disciplinary boundaries are not high obstacles. All spacebased sensors measure radiance from the same electromagnetic spectrum; observations are intrinsically complementary. We view the Earth as a single system and seek the best combination of tools (satellite observations, in situ measurements and numerical models), in INTERDISCIPLINARY and MULTISENSOR research.

    Team Leader: Tim Liu
    Last Updated: 06 Sep 2005
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