19-05-2025
Scientists studying gravity waves in Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa — A team of atmospheric scientists is launching a cutting-edge research campaign from Des Moines as part of the Convective Gravity Waves in the Stratosphere (CGWaveS) project, aimed at better understanding gravity waves—atmospheric ripples that influence weather and climate systems.
'These waves are essential to how energy moves through the atmosphere,' said David Nolan, a professor of atmospheric sciences and principal investigator from the Rosenstiel School. 'Understanding them will improve long-range weather prediction and climate models.'
Why has it been so windy in Iowa?
Gravity waves can be created by air flowing over and around things like mountains and thunderstorms, moving away from these obstacles and potentially affecting weather many miles away. They behave like ripples moving across a pond after a stone is thrown into the water.
Led by researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and GATS Inc., and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the project will use a specially equipped HIAPER Gulfstream V research aircraft.
WHO 13 Meteorologist Jason Parkin in the seat of NCAR's Gulfstream V.
Operated by the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the aircraft will carry 2 advanced lidar instruments to measure temperature and wind patterns in the lower and middle atmosphere.
CGWaveS is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and supported by the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, a major facility managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. The project's goal is to improve understanding of how gravity waves impact atmospheric processes and forecasting systems.
You can learn more information about CGWaveS on their website.
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