Chen Zhang

Atmospheric rivers (AR) are one conspicuous pathway for poleward moisture transport from lower latitudes. They have been known to influence Arctic warming and sea ice decline in the boreal winter. Likewise, cyclones play an important role in the Arctic climate: Arctic cyclones strongly interact with the diminishing sea ice. While over the Arctic, the dynamic and physical process of how Arctic cyclones influence ARs and the associated sea ice effects are still missing in the literature. Thus, Chen Zhang will work with Profs. John Cassano, Mark Serreze, and Matthew Shupe use reanalysis and MOSAiC data to provide a comprehensive dynamic/thermodynamic analysis to quantify the influence of Arctic cyclones’ dominant physical factors on ARs and the associated sea ice evolution via the subsequent surface radiative budgets. Such physical understanding will lead to improved cyclone and AR predictions in the changing climate and bridge a knowledge gap in Arctic amplification.