Detection and analysis of water vapor transport

Abstract

Water vapor, though a minor constituent of Earth’s atmosphere, plays a major role in the atmospheric radiation budget and the global water cycle. Atmospheric water vapor concentrations are highly variable due to the complex interplay between their sources (evaporation) and sinks (condensation and precipitation) in combination with transport and mixing. They strongly decrease with temperature and thus with altitude. Accurate measurement of water vapor is essential for better understanding its transport and cloud formation in the atmosphere and their impact on both weather and climate. To this end the institute develops and deploys lidars and in-situ hygrometers onboard aircraft.