Grand Challenges in Understanding Clouds - From Ice Crystal Formation to Climate Influence

Explore the fascinating world of cloud formation and its impact on climate in this 52-minute AGU Fall Meeting lecture. Delve into the complex interplay between large-scale meteorological environments and micro-scale cloud droplet and ice crystal formation. Discover the latest advancements in identifying aerosol particles that act as ice nuclei and their significance. Examine the challenges in measuring ice crystal concentrations and the limitations of current ice nuclei measurement devices. Gain insights into the uncertainties surrounding aerosol-cloud interactions and their impact on radiative forcing, as highlighted in the IPCC's fifth assessment report. Investigate how clouds may change in a warmer climate and the implications for future global warming scenarios.