Dr. Markowski's research is geared toward better understanding the dynamics of convective storms using a blend of observations, simulations, and theory. His recent work has investigated convection initiation, downdraft characteristics in supercell thunderstorms, interactions between squall lines and terrain, and the heterogeneity of thunderstorm environments. Markowski's current research involves using mobile, dual-Doppler radar observations to better understand the processes associated with tornadogenesis and its failure, and using three-dimensional numerical models to examine the importance of radiation on long-lived convective storms.

Research Interests:

Severe convective storms and their environments, tornadogenesis, convection initiation, mesoscale meteorology, operational meteorology

Teaching Interests:

Fluid dynamics, mesoscale meteorology, synoptic meteorology, atmospheric convection.

Graduate Students:

Understanding thunderstorms and devising ways to predict their behavior is what drew me to atmospheric science. What I also like about what I do is being able to see the phenomena I study with my own eyes. I would personally find it difficult to study something rigorously if I could not experience it firsthand. Whenever possible, I try to involve my students in field work so that they may share in some of the satisfaction (and at times, sheer excitement) that I've enjoyed over the years by being a part of the data collection process.

Selected Publications:

For a complete publications list, please visit the PUBLICATIONS section of my personal web site.

Stonitsch, J. R., and P. M. Markowski, 2006: Unusually long-duration, dual-Doppler radar observations of a front in a convective boundary layer. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, in press.

Frame, J. W., and P. M. Markowski, 2006: The interaction of simulated squall lines with idealized terrain. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 1919-1941.

Markowski, P. M., and Y. Richardson, 2006: On the classification of vertical wind shear as directional shear versus speed shear. Wea. Forecasting, 21, 242-247.

James, R. P., P. M. Markowski, and J. M. Fritsch, 2006: Bow echo sensitivity to ambient moisture and cold pool strength. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 950-964.

Shabbott, C. J., and P. M. Markowski, 2006: Surface in situ observations within the forward-flank downdrafts of supercell thunderstorms. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 1422-1441.

Markowski, P. M., C. Hannon, and E. Rasmussen, 2006: Observations of convection initiation "failure" from the 12 June 2002 IHOP deployment. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 375-405.

Markowski, P. M., and C. Hannon, 2006: Multiple-Doppler radar observations of the evolution of vorticity extrema in a convective boundary layer. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 355-374.

Last Updated: May 22, 2007

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