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Checking the Models by Comparing Results to
Observations
FIELD PROGRAMS
Field programs are very useful because they usually involve intensive measurements made over a short period of time and focus 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 which are run on a smaller area of the Earth instead of the whole Earth. In particular, field programs are helpful for improving physical parameterizations. 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 models by comparing them to the data.
You can learn more about what the researchers involved with MILAGRO are doing on Window's to the Universe's Postcards from the Field web page.
Back to modeling topics
Links and resources
FIELD PROGRAMSField programs are very useful because they usually involve intensive measurements made over a short period of time and focus 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 which are run on a smaller area of the Earth instead of the whole Earth. In particular, field programs are helpful for improving physical parameterizations. 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 models by comparing them to the data.
You can learn more about what the researchers involved with MILAGRO are doing on Window's to the Universe's Postcards from the Field web page.
Back to modeling topics
Links and resources
