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
On August 3rd, Alex traveled to The University at Albany to attend the 11th Northeast Tropical Workshop in Albany, NY. Alex presented his work entitled, “We need to simulate more double ITCZs and less southern ITCZs in reanalyses and coupled climate models,” and he chaired the Tropical Cyclones and Climate session. More information is here:…
On July 28th and 31st, Chelone Laws presented her NSF Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) program summer research entitled, “The Effect of Upper Ocean Freshwater on the Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Lee” at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO. Congrats on a wonderful summer, Chelone!
From July 20–23, Alex participated in the bi-annual U.S. CLIVAR Summit in Boulder, Colorado. At the Summit, Alex co-chaired the session entitled, “The Tropical ASTZ and its Impact on Climate Extremes.”
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The secret lives of big fish! 🦈
If you missed our #OceanEncounters live event on Wednesday, you can watch anytime online! Take a deep dive into the amazing world of ocean predators: https://hubs.li/Q0413G2W0
The secret lives of big fish! 🦈
If you missed our #OceanEncounters live event on Wednesday, you can watch anytime online! Take a deep dive into the amazing world of ocean predators: https://hubs.li/Q0413G2W0
Join us for Ocean Encounters TONIGHT at 7:30pm (ET) to learn more about the biggest fish in the ocean—and what they can teach us about ocean health.
👉 Register for this live virtual event: https://hubs.li/Q03_P8wv0
#OceanEncounters is an official event of the @UNOceanDecade
Join us for Ocean Encounters TONIGHT at 7:30pm (ET) to learn more about the biggest fish in the ocean—and what they can teach us about ocean health.
👉 Register for this live virtual event: https://hubs.li/Q03_P8wv0
#OceanEncounters is an official event of the @UNOceanDecade