Meteorology

Vision

To perform pioneering meteorological research for enhanced atmospheric process understanding by applying and further developing state-of-the-art measurement techniques, theoretical concepts, and numerical models.

We focus on polar and mid-latitude phenomena, and their interplay to improve our capabilities in weather and climate prediction, and by that strengthen the societal preparedness for future weather extremes in a changing climate, and support mitigation strategies based on wind energy.

Mission

To advance the field of basic and applied meteorology through a comprehensive approach that integrates field and laboratory measurements, instrument and method development, numerical modeling, and theoretical advancements.

By pushing the boundaries of observational and experimental capabilities, we aim to reduce existing model biases and contribute significantly to the understanding of meteorological processes and their implications for weather systems and climate variability, and provide solid atmospheric background information for the envisaged large scale harvesting of renewable energy.

Scientific Goals and Targeted Achievements

1. Advancing Boundary Layer Meteorology

• Develop advanced models to accurately represent surface energy and mass balance processes.
• Improve the understanding and simulation of land-atmosphere interactions and their impact on turbulence and turbulent transport.
• Achieve significant improvements in the physical representation of boundary layer processes in meteorological models.

2. Advancing Polar Meteorology

• Increase understanding of atmosphere-cryosphere and atmosphere-ocean interactions over various timescales.
• Enhance weather and climate prediction accuracy in polar regions.
• Identify the role of polar weather in driving global climate variability and extremes.

3. Advancing Dynamical Meteorology

• Investigate the processes controlling storm development and cyclone clustering to refine storm track predictions.
• Clarify the role of water vapor transport in climate variability and weather extremes.
• Improve the understanding of mid-latitude and polar region interactions to better predict weather patterns.

4. Advancing Mountain Meteorology

• Develop models to better simulate the effects of complex terrain on micro and meso-scale meteorological phenomena.
• Improve the prediction of orographic precipitation and convection in mountainous regions.

5. Advancing Wind Energy Meteorology

• Enhance the understanding of atmospheric stability, wind shear, and turbulence structures within the atmospheric boundary layer.
• Improve the interaction models of wind turbines and wind farms with atmospheric conditions, focusing on wake effects.
• Contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable wind energy solutions.

6. Establishing Stable Water Isotope Applications

• Integrate stable water isotope measurements into meteorological and Earth system studies.
• Develop and apply isotopic analysis in laboratory, field, archive, remote sensing, and modeling frameworks.
• Utilize stable water isotopes to gain new insights into meteorological processes and Earth system dynamics.

7. Driving Technical Innovation

• Continuously develop and implement cutting-edge observational capabilities and methods.
• Ensure the group remains at the forefront of technological advancements in meteorology.

Commitment to Education and Knowledge Dissemination

• Leverage opportunities through SFU iEarth to enhance the educational profile of meteorology.
• Foster enthusiasm for the field by disseminating knowledge and research findings through educational programs and public outreach.

By achieving these targeted goals, the GFI Meteorology Group aims to lead in meteorological research, contribute to global climate solutions, and prepare society for future weather and climate challenges.