At a large scale, the CMMAP model divides Earth into hexagons of equal size (A). The model calculations focus on the atmospheric events within each hexagon (B) and, at a small scale, the events that occur along planes within each hexagon (C).
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Image Courtesy of Lisa Gardiner/UCAR
CMMAP - Studying Clouds and Climate
Clouds are an important part of Earth's weather and climate. Scientists use computer models to study our planet's climate. These computer models include models of clouds. It's hard to model clouds because these models need to include very big things like hurricanes and very small things like raindrops and snowflakes.
Scientists working on a project called CMMAP (pronounced "see-map") are trying to find a new way to model the climate. They want to know more about how clouds affect the climate. One of the challenges of this project is to develop a new way of modeling clouds and climate so they can see what is happening with individual clouds.
The links below have more information about the CMMAP project, how CMMAP is helping people teach and learn about climate, and the science of clouds and climate modeling.
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