The Research Group on Clouds and Precipitation Physics (CAPE) is established in 2014 as a way of channeling the strengths and capabilities of CNR-ISAC in the field of the physics of clouds processes and precipitation formation. It represents a response to national and international science challenges on clouds and precipitation in meteorology and climate. The team members realize the importance of organized team work and thus make available their long time experience in observing (from radar, satellite and groud-based systems) and modeling precipitating systems.

The Group aims at contributing to a common physical understanding of cloud dynamical and microphysical processes, which naturally reflects into common projects. Research topics concern the advancement of knowledge on cloud physics in view of applications in weather prediction, climate evolution, civil protection, and clean energy production from solar and aeolic sources. The Group has a strong international perspective as partner of international projects of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), chiefly the Global Energy and Water Exchanges Project (GEWEX), and collaborates with European and international Space Agencies (CONAE, ESA, EUMETSAT, JAXA, NASA, NOAA) and high-profile Universities and Research Centers (among others, ECMWF, NCAR).