Exploring the 2nd indirect aerosol effect with remote sensing, geostatistics and the weather research forecasting model

The aim of this research was to explore and assess the relationship between aerosol, cloud development and rainfall at city size, and cloud resolving scales for selected stratiform and cumuliform precipitation events. Research was conducted in the subtropical city of Brisbane, Australia where previous research of 35 year rainfall trends indicated a possible anthropogenic aerosol effect on rainfall. As Brisbane grows beyond a predicted 4 million inhabitants in the next decade, an understanding of influences on its weather at this time of uncertain future climate and global warming impacts is critical, particularly in regard to security of freshwater supplies, air quality, climate extremes and human health.