What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to enhance understanding of how mesoscale convective processes impact Earth’s climate dynamics.

April 24, 2026Open Access

ORCESTRA: Organized Convection and EarthCARE Studies Over the Tropical Atlantic

Key Points

The aim is to enhance understanding of how mesoscale convective processes impact Earth’s climate dynamics.
Coordinated eight sub-campaigns over the tropical North Atlantic.
Utilized measurements from research aircraft, a vessel, ground stations, and the EarthCARE satellite.
Conducted atmospheric soundings and remote sensing, alongside numerical modeling experiments.
Gathered thousands of atmospheric soundings across various platforms.
Supported a diverse range of active and passive remote sensing techniques.
Contributed to the development of advanced physical climate models.

Abstract

We describe the coordination of ORCESTRA, a field campaign designed to advance understanding of how mesoscale convective processes influence Earth’s climate. ORCESTRA harmonized the execution of eight sub-campaigns that spanned the tropical North Atlantic from 10 August to 30 September 2024. The ORCESTRA sub-campaigns performed measurements from three research aircraft, a research vessel, two ground stations, and EarthCARE, a new Earth Explorer Satellite. These platforms performed thousands of atmospheric soundings, supported a rich constellation of active and passive remote sensing, conducted a wide variety of in situ measurements, and deployed autonomous sensors in the air and sea. Together with its measurements, ORCESTRA is being accompanied by extensive numerical experimentation to advance the development of a new generation of more physical climate models.

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