Research Interests:
TROPICAL CONVECTION, DYNAMICS OF THE MADDEN-JULIAN OSCILLATION
Convective clouds in the tropics play a central role in the global atmospheric circulation. They are an integral component of the 30 to 60-day Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). A close coupling is observed between convection and the initiation of the MJO in the Indian Ocean, which was a primary objective of the 2011-2012 DYNAMO (Dynamics of the MJO) experiment. Our research group is involved with the sounding measurements during DYNAMO, with the goal of characterizing the moistening effects of the cloud populations during the MJO initiation phase, the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer, and the diurnal cycle. During DYNAMO, two major MJO events occurred in October and November 2011, which have been the subject of intensive study.

MONSOON PROCESSES
The Asian monsoon affects well over half the world's population. In 2008, we participated in the Terrain-influenced Monsoon Rainfall Experiment (TiMREX), conducted in Taiwan. Studies have been carried out aimed at determining the mechanisms for extreme monsoon rainfall in a region where the monsoon flow interacts with steep topography. In addition, we are participating in the 2013-2018 Southern China Monsoon Rainfall Experiment (SCMREX), which is aimed at understanding and improving prediction of extreme-rain-producing convective systems in southern China.