Professor Sonia Lasher-Trapp
Purdue University Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Active Projects
Cumulus Entrainment and Effects on Rainfall
The Cloud Microphysics Group has been investigating the effects of entrainment and mixing in small warm cumulus clouds, and their effects on cloud properties and rainfall. In collaborative work with Dr. William (Al) Cooper of NCAR, and Dr. Alan Blyth of the University of Leeds, the beneficial effects of entrainment upon warm rain formation are under investigation using a series of numerical models, and additional numerical modeling work with Dr. Blyth is investigating the mechanisms of entrainment itself.
Precipitation Efficiency in Continental Convective Storms
The Cloud Microphysics Group is using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to investigate the precipitation efficiency of continental convective storms, with the ultimate intent of gauging any changes that might occur as regional climates change in the future. Particular points of emphasis are on the influences of the storm environment resulting from climate change, and how such influences are modulated by the local aerosol characteristics, the warm rain process, and ice processes.
Ice in Cumulus Experiment – Tropical (ICE-T)
The NSF has just funded the Cloud Microphysics Group to participate in this field campaign stationed in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, for June-July 2011. This field campaign has been designed to collect data to improve our understanding of ice nucleation in maritime cumulus clouds, which have historically tended to exhibit far more ice crystals than the number of ice nuclei would suggest.
Research-based Laboratory in Atmospheric Science
In this NSF-funded project, a successful research-based laboratory model in chemistry is being adapted for atmospheric science, and its impact is being formally evaluated. Students in their sophomore year participate in two 8-week research modules (one being based upon work being conducted currently in the Cloud Microphysics Group) that allow them to study atmospheric phenomena in more depth, to use cutting-edge software and numerical models, to learn how scientific research is conducted, and to practice presenting their findings to an audience.
