About the Lab
Welcome to the tropical climate dynamics research group at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)! We are interested in atmospheric and oceanic processes in the tropics and their interactions with higher latitudes. We study a variety of topics, including the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), marine atmospheric boundary layer clouds, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), the Hadley circulation, equatorial waves, tropical cyclones, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and tropical-extratropical interactions. One of our primary goals is to improve understanding of observations of these complex phenomena using a hierarchy of models and observations. With this improved understanding, weather and climate prediction can be guided in the right direction.
We are also involved in science education and outreach, particularly at WHOI and in the local Cape Cod community. From bringing hands-on rotating tank climate science experiments to K–12 and college classrooms to mentoring middle- and high-school students and teachers on research projects, we strive to motivate a generation of future scientists.
Recent News
Allysa Dallmann was awarded the Dean’s High Impact Awards for Undergraduate Research for Spring 2021. Each award is $1,200 per semester or $4,800 for summer. Allysa will be advised by Dr. Christina Patricola and co-advised by Alex. She will continue her senior thesis research on the influence of El Niño Southern Oscillation on past and future precipitation.…
Allysa Dallmann presented her senior thesis project entitled, “The Influence of ENSO on Future Winter Precipitation and Temperature in the Southwestern United States,” at the 28th Annual Iowa State University Atmospheric Science Undergraduate Research Symposium. Allysa was advised by Dr. Christina Patricola and co-advised by Alex.
Alex presented research entitled, “Weather in the east Pacific ITCZ: The role of nonlinear dynamics in boreal spring submonthly ITCZ shifts,” at Penn State’s Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Colloquia. More info.