Title: Seeing Clouds in 3D: Stereo Photogrammetry of Atmospheric Convection

Abstract
Stereo photogrammetry makes it possible (in principle) to map the boundaries of clouds in 3D using a pair of off-the-shelf cameras. Such measurements can be used to measure updraft velocities in the upper troposphere, estimate convective mass fluxes, and possibly even observe convective entrainment directly. There are obstacles, however. These include the question of how to calibrate cameras in the absence of landmarks (such as when looking out over the ocean), and how to perform automatic feature matching on nebulous objects. I will present some progress in these directions, and I will make the case that the time is ripe to develop stereo photogrammetry into a standard observational tool. I will also share what I think the initial results say about the vertical momentum budget of moist convective plumes.

Speaker's website: http://romps.berkeley.edu/