The Mobile Atmospheric Profiling Network (MAPNet): Capabilities and
Research Applications
Abstract
The development of mobile profiling facilities at the University of
Alabama in Huntsville has led to the formation of the Mobile Atmospheric
Profiling Network (MAPNet), which is now available to the broader
scientific community as part of the NSF supported Community Instruments
and Facilities (CIF). The MAPNet consists of the following four mobile
platforms (commercially available instruments are defined within
parentheses): MIPS – Mobile Integrated Profiling System (915 MHz
Doppler wind profiler, X-band Profiling Radar, Microwave Profiling
Radiometer, lidar ceilometer); RaDAPS – Rapidly Deployable Atmospheric
Profiling System (915 MHz Doppler wind profiler, Micro-Rain Radar,
Microwave Profiling Radiometer, and lidar ceilometer); MoDLS – Mobile
Doppler Lidar and Sounding System (Doppler wind lidar, Microwave
Profiling Radiometer); and MAX – Mobile Alabama X-band scanning dual
polarization radar. All four systems include near-surface in situ
measurements of state variables and balloon sounding capabilities. This
presentation will review the measurement capabilities of each
instrument, and the research capabilities of the MAPNet. A unique
concept of this suite of platforms is the combination of sensors that
can provide high temporal-resolution (<5 min) profiles of
wind, temperature, humidity, aerosols, cloud base, and precipitation
over a broad range of conditions. Therefore, both boundary layer and
precipitation research can be supported. Examples of measurements will
include the following: Utilization of the MAPNet in a network mode to
document the spatiotemporal variability of boundary layer and associated
stratocumulus clouds preceding cool season, severe quasi-linear systems;
Comparisons of wind profiles and vertical motion among the individual
instruments; Measurements of bores and gust fronts within the planetary
boundary layer; Integration of data from disparate profiling systems to
promote understanding of complex boundary layer evolution within
precipitation, including landfalling hurricanes; Examples of educational
deployments that have utilized the MAPNet in the past, and may serve as
a prototype for educational deployments in the future.