HYDRAMITRA · Atmospheric HumiditY DistRibution and the impAct of MIxing and TRAnsport in the free troposphere

Understanding the processes that control the distribution of water vapour, the Earth's dominant greenhouse gas, is central to understanding climate. This project proposes to determine the combined effect of transport and mixing as well as micro-physical processes on the distribution of water vapour in the free troposphere. It will integrate theoretical knowledge acquired from idealised models with wind data sets and tracer measurements. The outcome of this approach is intended to contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms controlling this distribution and thus to comprehend the implications of the corresponding structure on the radiative balance of the Earth.