Atmospheric Science

The Sensitivity of Convection to Boundary Layer Parameterizations in Hurricanes Harvey and Irma 2017

High-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulations of hurricanes Harvey and Irma (2017) will investigate the role of boundary layer parameterizations in determining the structure and distribution of rotating and non-rotating convection in TCs. Specifically, this project will examine how local, non-local, and hybrid planetary boundary layer parameterizations impact the distribution, structure, and longevity of convection and what mechanisms within the PBL parameterizations cause differences. This study is unique in that it plans to investigate the interactions between PBL parameterizations on the development, evolution, and structure of both tropical cyclone convection during landfall.

A Multiscale Analysis of the Rainband and Cellular Structure in Hurricanes Harvey and Irma (2017) Using the NCAR Ensemble

This study uses the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Real-Time Convection-Allowing Ensemble to delve into how a high-resolution ensemble system reproduces the rainband structure, and the dynamic and thermodynamic environment of hurricanes Harvey and Irma (2017). Further, an examination and verification of the bulk characteristics of the individual convective cells, which compose the principle and outer rainbands, was conducted.

Mohawk-Hudson Convergence

The unique terrain found in eastern New York plays a pivotal role in various weather phenomena in the Capital District Region. Several previous studies have documented the seasonal effects of channeled flow in the Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys, resulting in localized boundary layer convergence. However, a comprehensive analysis of these events in both the warm and cold seasons has never been formally investigated. The goal of this study was to composite recent cases of low-level convergence in both the warm and cold seasons where the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys meet. 

Downdraft Convective Avalible Potential Energy

In tornadic supercells, the entrainment of mid-level dry air results in evaporational cooling and the generation of cold downdrafts. Recent research has shown that downdrafts play an important role in the formation and maintenance of tornadoes. Strong, cold downdrafts tend to quickly occlude the tornado's circulation, separating the tornado vortex from the updraft.  

Other

The Financial Dilemma of Students Pursuing an Atmospheric Science Graduate Degree in the United States

Investigation into the annual stipend, university fees, housing costs, cost of living, and the effective state income tax rate of 39 atmospheric science graduate programs in the United States to determine the net effective income for first-year graduate students in the 2020-2021 academic year.