How do we know about clouds?
Surface observations

Field Programs
Field programs are very useful because they usually involve intensive measurements made over a short period of time and focusing on a small region. Scientists can use data from field programs to validate single column models, which are an important tool for improving climate models, or regional climate models.

An example of a current field program is MILAGRO, which studies air pollution in Mexico City. A main focus of the project is on how the wind can redistribute certain pollutants.

Such field programs have many uses, and one of them is the ability to improve global climate models by comparing them to the data. In particular, field programs are helpful for improving physical parameterizations.

You can learn more about what the researchers involved with MILAGRO and other field research projects are doing on the Windows to the Universe Postcards from the Field web page.

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Links and resources