CMG TRAINING: Summer School on Geophysical Turbulent Phenomena

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

Due to its inherent multidisciplinary nature, and its reliance on modern observational and experimental techniques, theory, and computation, the field of geophysical turbulence is difficult for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to master. Advancement in the field, by-and-large, requires a collaborative effort involving scientists with diverse backgrounds having an understanding of the methodologies utilized and an appreciation of all the component parts. Young researchers are thus often required to be proficient in observing, applied mathematics, advanced scientific computing, and data analysis. In recognition of this fact, the University of Colorado and the Institute for Mathematics Applied to the Geosciences at the National Center for Atmospheric Research will host a three week summer school on Geophysical Turbulent Phenomena. The school will attract 25-30 of the most competitive students in three important synergistic focus areas associated with Geophysical Turbulent phenomena: (a) Observation and Experimentation; (b) Theoretical Methodology for and Modeling of Geophysical Phenomena; (c) Computation Methods, Scientific Computing and Visualization. The students will come from a wide array of disciplines including applied mathematics, computational science, atmospheric and oceanic science, and applied and fundamental physics. Geophysical turbulent phenomena are the foundation for a broad range of poorly understood processes that are critical to the climate system. Advances in these areas require collaborative research between mathematicians, computational scientists, and geoscientists. The proposed three-week summer school will devote one week to each of three crucial areas of the field: 1) observations and experimentation, 2) theoretical and modeling issues, and 3) computational methods, scientific computing and visualization. Students will attend lectures by principal lecturers and research lecturers in each of the three areas. In addition, significant time will be devoted to practical exercises in geophysical turbulence, were the students will work in small multidisciplinary collaborative groups. The skills and experiences students gain in the school will have a direct and significant impact on their current and future research, enhancing their ability to achieve important results in their thesis research. The school will be co-sponsored by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which will share half the costs. By providing young scientists with a solid foundation in this fundamental area of atmospheric, oceanic, and climate science, the school will serve to contribute to future excellence in the field. A diverse group of students and lecturers will be recruited, broadening diversity in the scientific community. Students will receive interdisciplinary training, and practice working in an interdisciplinary collaborative setting. Students will be trained in important areas of active research. The cross-disciplinary relationships built in this school will enhance the students' careers and improve their ability to become successful researchers.