Poster Title:Observational (Ground-Based and Satellite) and Atmospheric Modeling capabilities at the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab – Khalifa University for weather and climate applications
Full Name:Narendra Nelli
Affiliation / Institution:Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab, Earth Science Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Co-Author
Full Name:Diana Francis
Affiliation / Institution:Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab, Earth Science Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Co-Author 2
Full Name:Ricardo Fonseca
Affiliation / Institution:Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab, Earth Science Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Co-Author 3
Full Name:Yesobu Yarragunta
Affiliation / Institution:Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab, Earth Science Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Co-Author 4
Full Name:Charfeddine Cherif
Affiliation / Institution:Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab, Earth Science Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abstract:The climate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is characterized by a trio of distinct atmospheric phenomena: pervasive dust storms that sweep across the landscape, dense fog that envelops the region, and the infrequent yet intense convective systems unleashing torrential downpours. Recent studies underscore a worrying trend of increased frequencies and intensities of these phenomena over the Arabian Peninsula, signaling a shift in regional climatic behavior. Understanding the full lifecycle and the consequent impacts of these meteorological phenomena is imperative for precise weather forecasting. In this context, the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab at Khalifa University is conducting research to study the physical processes driving these weather phenomena, trends, and future projections by utilizing a combination of ground-based observations, satellite products, and atmospheric modeling. ENGEOS Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, including a microwave radiometer, dual-polarization lidar, fog monitor, atmospheric electric field sensor, radiation flux sensors, sunphotometer, PM monitors, visibility sensor, eddy covariance system, a 10-meter meteorological tower with multi-level measurements, soil temperature sensors, and saltation sensors. Two major field campaigns have been conducted: one at Barakah (coastal location) and the other at Madinat Zayed in the Empty Quarter desert (WISE-UAE), where climatological records are ongoing. The details of the field campaign and measured parameters will be presented. The lab's efforts also include optimizing Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model configurations for the UAE environment and studying the dynamics and thermodynamics of convective systems, dust storms, and fog. Additionally, the integration of Artificial Intelligence solutions for these atmospheric studies will be presented.