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Abstract
In this paper we describe a planned field study of the structure of convection in the winter-trades for which the synergy of a number of remote sensors and aircraft measurements using the new HALO aircraft will be utilized. The field work will be centred around observations on the Island of Barbados using the following suite of instruments: A highly sensitive scanning K-band cloud radar, to study the cloud coverage and the internal structure of the clouds. A Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL), to measure water vapor profiles in vertical column over the site. An advanced multi-channel Raman Lidar, to provide information about the optical and microphysical properties of the aerosols and temperature profiles. A Micro Rain Radar, for additional information about the vertical structure of precipitation over the site. A Ceilometer, to obtain additional information about the clouds above the measuring site. The campaign is planned for a two year period starting in the beginning of 2010. The long-term measurements will be complemented by in situ sampling through the use of the HALO aircraft, operated by the DLR. HALO will carry the Hamburg Microwave Package, that consists of a second K-band cloud radar and three microwave radiometers sampling at a selected variety of attenuated and window-frequencies . The specific frequencies were choosen to match those of the AMSU A and B sounders. In January and May 2011 two to four missions will be flown between the aircrafts base in Germany and Barbados. Another optional K-band cloud radar is planned to be installed near to the leeward coast of the island to identify island effects on the atmospheric conditions.