UAlbany · ASRC
Research Center for Low Atmosphere and Urban Weather
CLAUW studies the atmospheric boundary layer — ~10 m – 2 km above the ground — the layer of the atmosphere most influenced by the Earth’s surface and human activity, across urban, rural, coastal and offshore settings.
The low atmosphere
The layer closest to the surface, and to people
The layer of the atmosphere most influenced by the Earth's surface and human activity.
- Free atmosphere~1 km and above
- Weather systems, en route aviation and upper-level dynamics.
- Boundary layer top~500 m – 2 km
- The upper limit of the atmospheric boundary layer.
- Urban Air Mobility operating zone~50 m – 500 m
- Where eVTOLs, drones and air taxis operate, within the boundary layer.
- Surface layerroughly 0 – 50 m
- Directly influenced by buildings, infrastructure and terrain.
Within the boundary layer sits the Urban Air Mobility operating zone, roughly 50 m to 500 m — one of several domains where this layer governs what is possible. More on its structure and drivers.
Our approach
Measure, understand, adapt, integrate
- 01
Measure
Observe the ABL in real time
- 02
Understand
Model and predict boundary layer behavior
- 03
Adapt
Design operations for local conditions
- 04
Integrate
Connect air, surface, and human systems
Applications
Where low-atmosphere science is applied
Urban Air Mobility is the application developed in depth in the center's founding concept. It sits alongside coastal and offshore interactions, urban and rural contrasts, and the human systems that operate within this layer.
Urban Air Mobility
UAM vehicles operate within the Atmospheric Boundary Layer, where interactions with the environment and human systems are strongest.
Human system interactions
The systems that low-altitude operations depend on, and the communities beneath them.
Onshore / offshore interactions
The marine boundary layer and the coastline, where the low atmosphere changes character.
Urban Weather and Urban Energy Prediction
Coupling high-resolution urban weather models with building energy models to forecast how city heat and structure shape energy demand.
What the center leverages
A statewide observing network and high resolution urban modeling
Provide the best met data, the best products, and the best services possible with the goal of saving lives and property while building a smart weather economy!
Standard, profile, flux, snow, urban, roadside
- NYS Mesonet
- High resolution urban weather modeling
- Urban climate expertise
- Strong ties to the Industry
Timeline
Currently: Fall 2026
The center's timeline runs from launch in Summer 2026 to the release of its first products and a UAM conference in New York City in Fall 2027.
“Safe, sustainable, and resilient UAM depends on understanding and operating within the boundary layer.”
CLAUW founding concept