Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Thomas J. Galarneau, Jr.
CIRES Visiting Fellow
2010-2011

Postdoctoral
Ph.D., The University of Albany, State University of New York

Project: Improved modeling and forecasting for mesoscale heavy precipitation events in the United States

When it rains it pours. Then maybe it’s torrential, and comes with hail or lightning. New CIRES Visiting Fellow Thomas Galarneau, from SUNY Albany, thrives on figuring out why. He even pursues it in his off time, where you might find him racing across the plains chasing tornados.

Galarneau comes to CIRES to study mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), specifically extreme rainstorms over the continental United States. He brings with him skills that he’s used to study the formation of hurricanes and thunderstorm clusters. “This area of science research appeals to me because understanding atmospheric processes that effect the development of MCSs and hurricanes may ultimately contribute to improved operational weather forecasts,” says Galarneau.

While at CIRES, Galarneau will use numerical forecast ensembles at NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory to cast a critical eye on “extremely heavy” rain events with the goals of discerning why and how these storms form and persist.

Though he’s a diehard weather fan, Galarneau does find room in his life for a few other pursuits. Perhaps one of the more unusual is his past work as a professional bowling ball fitter. “Fitting a bowling ball for a person is a rather unique skill requiring precise and careful measurement,” says Galarneau.

Galarneau is also fond of wine/beer tastings and taking advantage of the hiking and general outdoor adventuring Boulder has to offer, especially if it involves learning to ski.

Sponsor: Randall Dole
CIRES Research Theme: Advanced Modeling and Observing Systems

Email: tomjr@atmos.albany.edu