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Cloud-Phase Feedback and Climate: bridging the gap between observation and simulation

Project description

Impact of cloud-phase feedback on climate

Greater accuracy in climate models may be achieved by reducing the uncertainty in cloud-climate feedback mechanisms, which have a potentially powerful but highly uncertain effect on global climate change. The EU-funded CPFC project will investigate a cloud-feedback mechanism involving the conversion of ice cloud to liquid cloud, which is caused by a warming atmosphere. The aim is to attain the first quantitative estimate of this feedback based on satellite observations and to develop climate-model software that will allow a direct model-to-observation comparison of the feedback. The results will help to close gaps between observational and modelling studies of cloud feedbacks and provide a clear benchmark for assessing climate projections.

Objective

Earth’s climate is rapidly changing, with major socioeconomic consequences. A key scientific challenge is to improve climate-model projections by reducing uncertainty in cloud-climate feedbacks. The proposed research will investigate a cloud-feedback mechanism that has a potentially powerful but highly uncertain effect on global climate change. The feedback involves a conversion of ice cloud to liquid cloud that is caused by a warming atmosphere. Our goal is to attain the first quantitative estimate of this feedback based on satellite observations and to develop climate-model software that enables a direct model-to-observation comparison of the feedback. This will close gaps between observational and modeling studies of cloud feedbacks, and it will provide a clear benchmark for assessing climate projections.

This fellowship will be carried out in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo under the supervision of Prof. Trude Storelvmo. The research will leverage my expertise in satellite observations and that of the host in climate modeling, thus facilitating a two-way transfer of knowledge. I will gain several new experiences during the fellowship, including working in an interdisciplinary research group, studying in Europe, co-advising graduate students, and engaging with different outlets for public communication. The skills, knowledge, and international network that I will develop will put me in an excellent position to achieve my long-term goal of leading a research group.

Coordinator

UNIVERSITETET I OSLO
Net EU contribution
€ 214 158,72
Address
PROBLEMVEIEN 5-7
0313 Oslo
Norway

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 214 158,72