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Work is continuing on development of statistical climatologies using digital radar data for the Montana HIPLEX area. Efforts were initiated to determine a physical boundary area for Montana cloud systems. Scientists anticipated that results will show minimum distances needed between cloud systems for independent cloud sampling. Performance of the UND radar at Baker, Montana, and the Skywater radar at Miles City is being compared. CONTRACTOR: Amos Eddy, Inc., Norman, Ok 1 ahoma CONTRACT NO. 9-07-85-V0024 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Amos Eddy and Lewis Hembree CONTRACT PERIOD: February 1, 1979, to November 30, 1979 FY79 FUNDING: $17,000 PURPOSE: Objective analysis for HIPLEX $ The goal of this contract was to develop a technique to combine digital satellite information with radar data to estimate rainfall. The technique used space/time correlation fields to represent the storm structure implied by the observed radar echo and visible and infrared satellite data. The correlation fields were modeled using a four-dimensional Gausian damped cosine function which reflected storm characteristics. ' This research indicates that the technique successfully describes the spatial and temporal correlation fields between satellite and radar observations. Correlations between satellite data and radar-derived rain rates were used to estimate total system rainfall and examine the natural variability of satellite and radar observations. CONTRACTOR: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota CONTRACT NO. 9-07-85-V0026 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: John Odegard CONTRACT PERIOD: March 1, 1979, to September 30, 1982 FY79 FUNDING: $815,109 PURPOSE: High-altitude downwind effects research and weather modification pilot training The objectives of this contract are to perform high-altitude extra-area downwind weather modification research and to develop cloud-top seeding technology including training of aircraft pilots for weather modification programs. During August 1979, UND conducted a downwind exploratory experiment at the Miles City site. The purpose of the experiment was to find specific elements in convective cloud complexes which can be used to measure downwind seeding effects. In cooperation with other Project Skywater contractors, UND studied characteristics of cloud anvils and dynamics and physics of new cloud cell development within convective complexes. Data collected by aircraft, radar, and satellite will be used in examining these cloud elements and determining their usefulness in downwind measurements. University scientists will also establish criteria for identifying convective complexes. 22