Project Leader:
Benjamin Cook
(bc9z@ldeo.columbia.edu)
Kevin Anchukaitis
(kja@ldeo.columbia.edu)
Earth Institute Contact: Dr. Edward Cook
Additional External Researchers:
Edward Cook
Description:
Combining state-of-the-art climate model simulations with paleoclimatology can be particularly powerful for interpreting the atmosphere and ocean dynamics responsible for the spatial and temporal patterns of past droughts, which have been reconstructed from extensive networks of tree-ring chronologies. The use of models furthermore allows the testing of hypotheses about past climate states and variability that are consistent with the physics of the climate system. The student will be involved in all aspects of a project designed to analyze large-scale severe drought variability over the last two millennia using forced global climate model simulations and large-scale paleoclimate reconstructions. Specifically, in concert with the thesis mentors, the student will design and run their own climate model simulations, interpret the results of these simulations, and compare them with observations and reconstructions. Additionally, the student will be assisting the mentors in the everyday operation of an earth system model of intermediate complexity.
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