Boundary Layer and Mesoscale Meteorology

Much of the weather that affects a community is controlled by local atmospheric winds (mesoscale circulations) and by interactions between the atmosphere and the earth's surface within the lowest portions of the atmosphere (the atmospheric boundary layer). Indeed, predicted changes in climate, or climate variability, will largely be experienced by the public through changes in the surface conditions and changes in the frequency and intensity of mesoscale storm systems. The Boundary Layer and Mesoscale Meteorology group is involved in a wide range of studies in these areas, focusing on both basic scientific research and efforts on specific applied areas.

The research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education, and Training (COMET), the University of Illinois, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. See references in references for specific grant information.

Some recent areas of study include:

• Lake-effect snow storm field research
• Climate change and lake-effect snows
• Forecasting thunderstorm interactions with the Great Lakes
• Urban influences on mesoscale systems
• Atmospheric responses to variable surfaces