PhD in Equatorial waves and Tropical cyclons

Tropical Cyclones and equatorially-trapped waves are two major components of tropical weather systems. They are responsible for not only high impact weather events (such as extreme precipitation and high speed winds) in the tropics but also weather events in the extratropics through teleconnections. Equatorial waves are believed to play an important role in the genesis of tropical cycles. On the other hand tropical cyclones could also trigger equatorial waves. However, the connection between equatorial waves and tropical cyclones is not well understood and there is no clear picture for the relationship, especially it is not known if the relationship varies with locations, seasons and basic states; also there is very limited knowledge that how well the relationship is represented in weather forecast models, which apparently limit the skill of weather forecasts for the tropics.

In our NCAS- Climate at Department of Meteorology, we have strong expertise in research areas associated with tropical cyclones and equatorial waves, which includes
1) Having developed novel methodologies in tracking tropical cyclones (Dr Hodges) and identifying equatorial waves (Dr Yang) both in observations and model simulations. These methodologies have been applied into a wider range of research areas related to tropical cyclones and equatorial waves
2) Having created two kind of historical datasets for tropical cyclones and equatorial wave. These datasets have been used in a series of studies which are fundamental to tropical atmospheric sciences.

This PhD will be an opportunity to contribute to these areas of novel research, with the precise focus of the PhD dependent on the applicant and their interests/aptitude.