OBJECTIVES
We take a synergistic and interdisciplinary approach
to apply space-based observations, ground-based
measurements, and numerical model to study the
coupled ocean-atmosphere system.
We improve the monitoring, from space, of ocean-atmosphere
exchanges in momentum, heat and water.
We study how these exchanges force ocean
circulation and distribute the heat, water,
greenhouse gases, and nutrients stored in the ocean.
We examine the effect of these exchanges on the
energy and hydrologic balances in the atmosphere.
We focus on seasonal-to-interannual variability
and predictability, but also examine how such
variability is affected by shorter time scales
(intra-seasonal) changes and longer time scales (decadal)
trend. We are planning to study the manifest of
long-term and global variability in local
and near-term hazards, such as hurricane and monsoon.
STATEMENTS
The 3-5 year life cycles and repeated global coverage
of spaceborne sensors are conducive to the studies of
SEASONAL-INTERANNUAL variability and predictability.
The high resolution and synoptic perspectives of spaceborne sensors
improve the monitoring and understanding of transient NATURAL HAZARDS.
With expected continuous development, spaceborne sensors will reveal
not only the effects of short-term (INTRASEASONAL)
but also long-term(DECADAL)
changes on seasonal-interannual variabilities. The manifest of global and
long-term changes on local and near-term weather and hazards are being pursued.
From the vantage point of space, disciplinary boundaries are not high obstacles.
All spacebased sensors measure radiance from the same electromagnetic spectrum;
observations are intrinsically complementary. We view the Earth as a single
system and seek the best combination of tools (satellite observations, in situ measurements and
numerical models), in INTERDISCIPLINARY
and MULTISENSOR research.
