The dynamics and thermodynamics of convectively coupled equatorial waves

Scientific background (the wider context; why the project is important and timely)

Extreme weather in the tropics is often linked with organised weather systems such as the well-known tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons) and other, less well-known systems such as "convectively coupled equatorial waves" (CCEWs; Latos et al., 2021, 2023). Whereas the dynamics (internal mechanisms) of tropical cyclones are well understood and therefore generally well predicted, the dynamics of CCEWs are still rather unclear, and hence predictions of severe weather associated with them can have significant errors (Senior et al., 2023).

This project will build on recent work by the project supervisors (Matthews, 2021) to discover the main physical mechanisms that govern the development of CCEWs. Research methodology (what precisely will the student do? Where? How?)

You will run a series of experiments using the IGCM4 climate model (Joshi et al., 2015) to determine the propagation and growth mechanisms of CCEWs. You will analyse the structure of CCEWs using the vorticity budget model of Matthews (2021) and will extend this model to include an assessment of the thermodynamical temperature and moisture structures of the CCEWs.

Starting with the simplest possible conditions and building up to a fully realistic climate, you will determine how the background climatic conditions across the tropics affect the CCEWs, and how this will impact their predictability in weather forecasts. Training (what opportunities will the student have? What skills will they gain?)

You will join an active research group at UEA in tropical meteorology and climate. You will be trained in meteorological and climate theory, and in meteorological analysis of very large data sets, and computer modelling of weather and climate. You will have the opportunity to present your work at national and international conferences.