Opportunities exist to (1) conduct basic and applied research on the atmospheric boundary layer and its parameterization in mesoscale numerical models, (2) carry out fundamental and applied research on topographically-forced flows including the explicit simulation of gravity wave dynamics using mesoscale numerical models, (3) utilize data from field experiments and other sources in boundary layer process studies, (4) perform mesoscale model studies in the coastal zone and in the tropics; and (5) use large-eddy simulation techniques to study the basic turbulence and microphysics structure and processes of both stratocumulus and shallow cumulus clouds and formulate new parameterizations for mesoscale and global models. Processes of interest include microwave propagation effects, cloud and fog formation, turbulence, localized precipitation events, and air-land-ocean-wave interactions. Additional research efforts focus on improving our overall understanding of buoyant and shear driven turbulent transports within and outside clouds; and on assessing the relative importance of aerosols; radiative and latent heating; surface forcing; and entrainment to cloudy, partially cloudy, or clear environments.

 

key words

Air-sea interactions; Atmospheric models; Atmospheric physics; Boundary layer; Boundary-layer clouds; Coastal zones; Gravity waves; Large eddy similation; Meteorology; Turbulent transport;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants