Description

The objectives of this thesis are to (i) test the methodology at other instrumented sites in order to propose a generalizable methodology for better overall constraint of ICAs, (ii) quantify the sensitivities of cloud microphysical properties (droplet concentration, effective radius) to variations in the concentrations and chemical composition of cloud condensation nuclei (iii) evaluate the dependence of aerosol-cloud interactions on the liquid water content of clouds.


The analysis will focus on low-level stratiform clouds formed under stable atmospheric conditions, distinguishing between different classes of liquid water content (LWC). ICA sensitivities will be estimated via logarithmic relationships between cloud properties and CCN concentration proxies (aerosol light scattering).
This thesis will contribute to:
Reducing uncertainties about the intensity of aerosol-cloud interactions in continental regimes.
Proposing a transferable methodological framework for observational constraints on ICAs.
Improving the representation of indirect aerosol effects in climate models.

Skills required

- Master's degree in Physics, remote sensing or atmospheric sciences. - Analytical skills working on scientific data - Proficiency in programming/scripting languages (e.g., Python) - English language skills, written and spoken

Bibliography

Crumeyrolle et al. 2026
Garrett, T.J., Zhao, C., Dong, X., Mace, G.G., Hobbs, P.V., 2004. Effects of varying aerosol regimes on low-level Arctic stratus. Geophys. Res. Lett. 31, L17105. https://doi.org/10.1029/2004GL019928

Keywords

scattering coefficient, Radiometer