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 July 1, Chengfei He started his WHOI Postdoctoral Scholar position under the guidance of Dr. Alex Gonzalez and Dr. Young-Oh Kwon. Chengfei will be investigating the relationship between equilibrium climate sensitivity, low clouds, and the ITCZ in climate model biases of global historical warming trends. Welcome, Chengfei! The WHOI Postdoctoral Scholar Program is a…
On June 24–28, Alex attended the American Meteorological Society (AMS) 24th Conference on Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics in Burlington, VT. He had a poster presentation entitled, “Dynamical Importance of the Trade Wind Inversion in Suppressing the Southeast Pacific ITCZ.”
On June 3–6, Alex and Fouzia attended the Cloud Feedbacks Model Intercomparison Project (CFMIP) Meeting at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. Alex and Fouzia both presented posters. Fouzia’s poster was entitled, “The Seasonal Evolution of Low Clouds and the Southern ITCZ over the East Pacific Ocean.” Alex’s poster was entitled, “Dynamical Importance of the…
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🌊 Throughout history, the ocean has inspired people to to explore its mysteries. WHOI researchers are continuing that legacy, addressing some of our generation’s most pressing problems through breakthrough science & innovation.
👉Explore with us: http://go.whoi.edu/breakthroughs
🌊 Throughout history, the ocean has inspired people to to explore its mysteries. WHOI researchers are continuing that legacy, addressing some of our generation’s most pressing problems through breakthrough science & innovation.
👉Explore with us: http://go.whoi.edu/breakthroughs
For 95 years, WHOI scientists have boldly explored the ocean’s extremes, asking provocative questions—and building tools to answer them. 🤖
Find our how our high-risk, high-impact research will remain strong into the next century from @BostonGlobe: http://go.whoi.edu/globe-campaign
For 95 years, WHOI scientists have boldly explored the ocean’s extremes, asking provocative questions—and building tools to answer them. 🤖
Find our how our high-risk, high-impact research will remain strong into the next century from @BostonGlobe: http://go.whoi.edu/globe-campaign