About the center
UAlbany's Research Center for Low Atmosphere and Urban Weather
CLAUW is a UAlbany research center devoted to the low atmosphere — the boundary layer where weather, cities and human systems interact most strongly.
Purpose
The layer most influenced by the surface and by human activity
The atmospheric boundary layer extends approximately ~10 m – 2 km above the ground. It is the layer of the atmosphere most influenced by the Earth’s surface and human activity, and it is the center’s subject.
Safe, sustainable, and resilient UAM depends on understanding and operating within the boundary layer.
Approach
- Measure
- Observe the ABL in real time
- Understand
- Model and predict boundary layer behavior
- Adapt
- Design operations for local conditions
- Integrate
- Connect air, surface, and human systems
At a glance
- Host institution
- Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), University at Albany, State University of New York
- Launched
- Summer 2026
- Subject
- The atmospheric boundary layer, ~10 m – 2 km
- Associated groups
- New York State Mesonet · Coastal Urban Environmental Research Group
Host institution
The opportunity for UAlbany
Why the center sits here
UAlbany ASRC is uniquely positioned to lead North American Urban Weather in support of the UAM industry leveraging NYS Mesonet, high resolution urban weather modeling, urban climate expertise, and strong ties to the Industry.
The Research Center for Low Atmosphere and Urban Weather (CLAUW) is timely and urgently needed.
- NYS Mesonet
- High resolution urban weather modeling
- Urban climate expertise
- Strong ties to the Industry