The Department of Meteorology continues its commitment toward maintaining active research programs in the atmospheric sciences. Meteorology faculty are currently involved in various projects supported by national agencies including NASA, the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. In most cases, both undergraduate and graduate students are actively involved in these research programs and work closely with faculty and staff. Present projects are directed at both local and global issues using models and though analysis of observations. Brief descriptions of current projects are given below (listed alphabetically).
Air Pollution/Urban Meteorology
Observation, simulation, and numerical modeling of polluted coastal urban boundary layers. Specific interests include the alteration of weather and climate elements in cities due to urbanization and air pollution and the effects of the new urban climate on the spread of pollutants through the urban environment.
Climate Change – Atmospheric Dynamics
Theoretical and numerical analysis of global and regional climate change as a result of both natural and anthropogenic factors. This work involves understanding how atmospheric variability affects and interacts with climate, and through simulations and analysis of global climate models.
Martian Weather
Studies of weather and climate on Mars using a state-of-the art computer model developed at NASA's Ames Research Center. We compare the simulated atmosphere with the real thing using new data coming in from missions such as Mars Global Surveyor. We use models to simulate and understand the development of global dust storms on present-day Mars.
Regional Wind Modeling
Analysis of local and regional wind patterns typical of northern California using computer models. This involves understanding the roles played by the ocean, and the coastal mountain ranges in generating observed winds. For more information please see: SAN FRANCISCO BAY WIND PATTERNS.
Stratus Forecasting
Forecasting the time of stratus burnoff at San Francisco International Airport. For more information please see: SFO Marine Stratus Forecast Guidance and SFO Marine Stratus Forecast Guidance Web Display.
Tropical Cyclogenesis
Determining the effect of saturation and vertical shear on the existence, development, and scale of convergent warm core circulations that are precursors to tropical cyclones, polar lows, and mesoscale convective systems. For more information please see: A Preferred Scale for Warm Core Instability in a Non-Convective Moist Basic State, or 88th AMS Annual Meeting, or Tropical Meteorology Special Symposium 19th Conference on Probability and Statistics Joint Poster Session 1.
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