| This study focuses on characterizing cloud and precipitation features over southern Baffin Island and the adjacent oceanic regions for the period 1 October, 2007 through 30 November, 2007; corresponding with the Storm Studies in the Arctic (STAR) field research project in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Satellite data obtained from CloudSat and Aqua are primarily used whereby a two-month analysis of clouds and precipitation features was carried out. Additionally, two precipitating events and the remnants of Hurricane Noel were studied in greater detail. Preliminary results indicate that most storms over the region were deep (>7 km cloud tops), single-layer cloud systems. However, multiple layers (up to 4 layers) sometime occur. Elevated reflectivity values above the surface (bright band and sublimation/evaporation situations) and on the windward side of mountain chains (orographic precipitation) are also evident along with strong vertical and horizontal variations in reflectivity and water content. |
