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| Department and/or Lab |
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Marine and Environmental Systems, Meteorology
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| Thesis Title: |
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African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis research in West Africa |
| Degree Sought: |
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M.S. in Meteorology
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| Research
Advisor: |
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Dr. Sen Chiao |
Research Focus
Studying the effect of topography on African Tropical Easterly Waves as they propagate westward across the African Mainland.
Description of
Research
Tropical storms which impact the United States can travel thousands of miles and begin as a small tropical wave over eastern Africa. The African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis was started in 2006 to help better understand the development of tropical waves as they move across West Africa. Understanding tropical systems and their interactions with land features is vital in predicting their future as they emerge into the Atlantic Ocean. Long-lived tropical cyclones often originate near the west Coast of Africa, and either curve north into the Atlantic Ocean or threaten areas in the Caribbean and the United States.
My area of research is just one of many facets of the AMMA project that exist today. I have studied two tropical waves that developed into Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene in the 2006 hurricane season. By tracking the areal extent of thunderstorms associated with the tropical waves, we can better understand how the topography of West Africa affects the intensification of these systems. Initial research indicated mountain ranges in West Africa have both a positive and negative effect on the development of tropical waves.
Example of How My
Research is Integrated into My GK-12 Experience
Residents of Brevard County are all too familiar with tropical systems and their dangerous effects on both humans and the environment. While everyone can find the impact of a tropical cyclone frightening, students often become intimidated by these systems due to their lack of knowledge about hurricane origins and effects. Brevard County students have had to deal with several tropical systems in the past few years, including Frances and Jeanne of 2004, Wilma of 2005, and Fay of 2008. The InSTEP program gives me an opportunity to teach students about the inner workings of a tropical cyclone and the dangers associated with them. With three Integrated Science I classes this year at Satellite Beach High School, Altair Watson and I spent the first half of the year tracking hurricanes and plotting their course. In addition, we have made a commitment to helping students better understand the environment in which they live in.
Profile date:
February 16, 2009
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