What is CAPRIS?

An Overview

CAPRIS will be a new system within NSF/LAOF to serve observational needs of the climate, atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology communities by providing an unprecedented combination of coincident observations of precipitation, winds, cloud microphysics, water vapor, ozone, and aerosol at a wide range of temporal and spatial scales.

CAPRIS will make significant contributions in:

• The water cycle from water vapor transport, storm initiation, cloud microphysical properties, precipitation processes
• Air quality studies that critically rely on transport and concentrations of aerosol and water vapor
• The impact of convection on chemical composition of upper troposphere/lower stratosphere region
•  Interactions between aerosol and cloud that determine cloud radiative forcing
• The flux and transport of water vapor in the boundary layer

 NCAR Aircraft CAPRIS Configurations

Technical Details

CAPRIS is envisioned to consist of pod-mounted millimeter wave radar, and two cabin mounted lidars to measure wind, water vapor, aerosols. All lidars will operate in the eye safe region of the spectrum (1.4 - 1.6 micrometers) for eye safety and future ground-based operations.

Although this beta instrument configuration is based on EOL's proven expertise in atmospheric research platforms, we need input from the community we serve to insure that we develop the best suite of instruments possible. So please find out how you can get involved in the development.

The three instruments will be designed to fit on the NSF/NCAR GV and C130 aircraft. In conjunction with a wealth of in situ sensors on NSF/NCAR C-130 and Guifstream V (GV) aircraft, the CAPRIS will serve the observational needs of the climate, atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology communities outlined in the NCAR Strategic plan. (Warning - PDF, large file opens in new window.)

For more techical information, see our Documentation page.

CAPRIS team members within NCAR

*Denotes Core Team