Particles and Clouds

Accurate numerical simulation of cumulus clouds is a highly challenging topic in atmospheric research. Large-Eddy Simulations (LES) can help to resolve important research questions on cloud dynamics, cloud mixing phenomena, and precipitation. In order to fully exploit the richness of the huge 3D time evolving data sets obtained from LES, advanced data exploration and visualization tools are crucial. Virtual reality (VR) environments offer excellent opportunities. Preliminary tests on a virtual workbench have shown the feasibility of visualizing an evolving 3D cumulus cloud field, allowing interactive examination and virtual experimentation.

In this multidisciplinary project we will further develop these ideas, and aim at development of a generic tool for interactive analysis of atmospheric simulation data. This includes the design of virtual environments for large time-varying data sets, for visualization of cloud morphology, atmospheric motion patterns, and a number of volumetric data quantities. A range of interactive techniques and scenarios will be developed to support this. Special attention will be given to facilities for comparative data visualization, the extraction of features and temporal events, and for testing specific hypotheses about the data.

Frits Post