Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Demonstrating the Potential for First-Class Research in Underdeveloped Countries: Research on Stratospheric Aerosols and Cirrus Clouds Optical Properties, and Radiative Effects in Cuba (1988–2010)

Juan Carlos Antuña Marrero Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica de Camagüey, Centro Meteorológico Provincial de Camagüey, INSMET, Camagüey, Cuba

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René Estevan Arredondo Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica de Camagüey, Centro Meteorológico Provincial de Camagüey, INSMET, Camagüey, Cuba

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Boris Barja González Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica de Camagüey, Centro Meteorológico Provincial de Camagüey, INSMET, Camagüey, Cuba

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Online Publication:
01 Jul 2012
Print Publication:
01 Jul 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-11-00149.1
Page(s):
1017–1027
Restricted access

Optical properties of stratospheric aerosols and cirrus clouds and their radiative effects are currently important subjects of research worldwide. Those investigations are typical of developed countries, conducted by several highly specialized groups dedicated separately to instrumental observations, their interpretation in the context of the weather and climate, and the numerical simulation of their radiative effects. In Camagüey, Cuba, the Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica de Camagüey [Optics Atmospheric Group of Camagüey (GOAC)] has been conducting all those research projects together for a little more than 20 years, following a self-designed long-term strategy. The results of the strategy applied by GOAC demonstrates that, even in the conditions of an underdeveloped country, it is possible to build local scientific and technical capacities for conducting state-of-the-art research for the benefit of society, both locally and worldwide.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Dr. Juan Carlos Antuña Marrero, Camagüey Meteorological Centre, Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica de Camagüey, P.O. Box 134, Camagüey 70100, Cuba, E-mail: anadelia@caonao.cu

Optical properties of stratospheric aerosols and cirrus clouds and their radiative effects are currently important subjects of research worldwide. Those investigations are typical of developed countries, conducted by several highly specialized groups dedicated separately to instrumental observations, their interpretation in the context of the weather and climate, and the numerical simulation of their radiative effects. In Camagüey, Cuba, the Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica de Camagüey [Optics Atmospheric Group of Camagüey (GOAC)] has been conducting all those research projects together for a little more than 20 years, following a self-designed long-term strategy. The results of the strategy applied by GOAC demonstrates that, even in the conditions of an underdeveloped country, it is possible to build local scientific and technical capacities for conducting state-of-the-art research for the benefit of society, both locally and worldwide.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Dr. Juan Carlos Antuña Marrero, Camagüey Meteorological Centre, Grupo de Óptica Atmosférica de Camagüey, P.O. Box 134, Camagüey 70100, Cuba, E-mail: anadelia@caonao.cu
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