Atmospheric Interactions with Complex Terrain

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My research program is concerned with understanding the nature of the atmosphere's interaction with complex terrain: over mountains, through valleys, and along mountainous coastlines. The proposed research involves both making measurements (directly at the surface, and remotely above the surface), and conducting high-resolution computer simulations of the atmosphere in these areas. In conducting this research theme, a number of projects will be undertaken to address both basic and applied atmospheric science questions, as well as collaborative projects with multidisciplinary questions. In addition to furthering basic understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer, this work will address important questions with health, safety and economic implications such as: transport and dispersion of air pollution and forest pests; forecasting winds for marine, aviation and public users; and estimating the response of glaciers in the western Cordillera, and the water they supply, to a changing climate. High Performance Computing Facilities at UNBC and ComputeCanada will be used to conduct continuous high-resolution simulations of the atmosphere over several areas of particular interest in the western Cordillera. Model output will be validated through comparisons with observations. Model output at high resolution will be archived for a multi-year period, allowing phenomenological research to go beyond analysis of only a few case studies, and to develop reasonable statistics based upon the high resolution model output. Results of this research are anticipated to lead to: better understanding of the long-range transport of mountain pine beetle infestations; a better understanding of the effects of future climate on glacier mass balance in the western Cordillera; an understanding of the Qualicum wind phenomenon; and improved methods of forecasting air quality and winds.