Validation of Satellite Ocean Vector Winds

Satellite derived ocean vector winds from the QuikSCAT satellite have provided vast benefits for the research and forecast communities.  However, retrievals in extreme wind regimes such as tropical cyclones are difficult due to interference from rain and a complicated ocean surface (at left).  A NASA funded project lead by Dr. Linwood Jones (UCF) and Chris Hennon (UNCA) will improve retrievals in such events.  UNCA atmospheric science students John Allard and Amy Harless are also working on the problem.

Rapid Intensification

The rapid intensification of tropical cyclones is not well understood and almost impossible to forecast accurately.  UNC Asheville atmospheric science student  Brandon Cromer is investigating the atmospheric and oceanic conditions that had existed in several rapid intensification cases.  Using state of the art data such as oceanic heat content, he hopes to determine the conditions that lead to rapid intensification.

Tropical Cyclogenesis

Understanding tropical cyclone formation ("tropical cyclogenesis") continues to be a goal of the tropical community and this research group.  Dr. Hennon has developed a statistical model that predicts tropical cyclone formation in the Atlantic Basin.  UNCA atmospheric science student Chip Helms is developing an objective algorithm to identify incipient tropical cyclone cloud clusters via geostationary imagery and data.

Your Project

Whether you plan to go to graduate school, become an operational forecaster, or even go into broadcasting, undergraduate research can be a valuable experience.  If you are interested in meteorological research, we always welcome your ideas and research initiatives.  Please contact me or one of the other professors in the UNCA Department of Atmospheric Sciences for more information.

Last Updated : 01/19/2007 13:48:14