Dalhousie University|Université Dalhousie

Purpose

This project explores how the polar vortex—the large, swirling wind pattern in the Arctic—affects winter clouds and their interactions with tiny airborne particles called aerosols. Focusing on the area around Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, we will combine computer simulations with data collected from aircraft, satellites, and computer simulations of weather and concomitant weather records. The goal is to better understand how interactions, coupling and changes in the polar vortex influence cloud formation, storm patterns, and the movement of aerosols in the Arctic. And vice versa. Since these clouds play a crucial role in trapping heat during the long polar night, learning more about them will help improve climate predictions for the Arctic and beyond. The project will also test how different amounts of aerosols affect clouds, providing new insights into how Arctic weather and climate may change in the future.