Weather events on the scale of actual storms; i.e., convective and mesoscale events such as thunderstorms, squall lines, flash floods, and hurricanes.  Improve understanding through quantitative description using data from coordinated field experiments using satellites, radars, and aircraft, and development of improved conceptual models of these events.

Regional and global distribution of storms, using new observational capabilities from satellites such as NASA¡¯s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission.  Understand why heavy rainfall is more frequent in the deep tropics while stronger storms are extremely rare in those same locations compared to the central United States and other mid-latitude regions.  Validate indications from remote sensing instruments on satellites by making measurements in the field.

Help develop improved recognition and forecasting of severe storms by determining the differences between ordinary and truly exceptional events.

Involve students in field programs to give them hands-on experience and deeper understanding.