Dynamics of the Atmosphere at multi-scale

Tracking cyclones over the Central Mediterranean in September 2006

Research in this area is aimed at fundamental and applied studies on different spatial and temporal scales: urban and mountain meteorology, mesoscale and synoptic mid-latitudes phenomena, general circulation and teleconnections. The Group carries out and participates in field experimental campaigns and high resolution numerical simulations with idealized models. 

On a small scale, the interest is aimed at understanding the local and thermal circulation, the heat island phenomenon, the dynamics in complex terrain, the dispersion of pollutants in complex terrain. Computational fluid dynamics is also used in applications such as air quality, urban breathability and human comfort (see H2020-ISCAPE results www.iscape-project.eu). 

Traditional dynamics on synoptic scale and mesoscale are integrated with the development of new parameterizations capable of capturing the exchange processes occurring at the surface-atmosphere interface. The Group studies the characteristics of cyclonic systems in the Mediterranean area and their role in generating extreme events. 

The Group studies the mechanisms regulating the atmospheric general circulation, the variability and predictability of the climate system (ENSO, NAO, Monsoons, etc.) and the phenomenology of extreme events (heat waves, droughts, ...) in the present and future climate. 

Of relevance are the studies related to the role of vegetation in mitigating the effect of climate change on urban air quality. One of the Group's priorities is to identify paths to mitigate the negative effects of climate change in natural and artificial environment. For example, we study the development of nature-based solutions to mitigate hydro-meteorological risks. In this context, the Group coordinates the H2020-OPERANDUM: www.operandum-project.eu)