The Atmospheric Radiation and Climate Research Group

Opening Observational Portals into Earth's Climate System

The Earth's polar regions are rapidly changing, affecting both the local environment and global sea level and weather patterns. By studying satellite and ground-based measurements, our research aims to better understand polar atmospheric processes and their implications for global climate.

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Our group leads the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment (PREFIRE), a NASA satellite mission that is filling an important gap in Earth observation by mapping spectral emission through the far-infrared using two CubeSats in polar orbits.

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Deep convection and high-altitude clouds are key components of Earth’s water cycle and exert a strong influence on radiative balance and water cycle. Our research explores the global distribution and radiative forcing from high clouds as well as their connection to the water cycle.

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Snowfall across the globe affects Earth’s energy and water cycles, and can have significant societal impacts. We apply modern remote sensing techniques to understand how snowfall accumulation affects global sea levels and regional climate. We also explore new ways to identify high-impact heavy snowfall events (e.g. Lake-effect) using satellite observations.

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Welcome to the homepage of Professor Tristan L’Ecuyer and the Atmospheric Radiation and Climate Research Group in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Our research seeks to improve climate prediction by better understanding the processes that govern atmospheric energy balance and the global water cycle. We believe this can only be achieved by combining state-of-the art remote sensing tools, innovative analysis of satellite datasets, coordinated regional field projects, and numerical modeling. Take a minute and get to know who we are, look through our publications, explore our projects, and read our latest news.

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