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Sukyoung Lee
- Professor of Meteorology
University Park, PA 16802
Websites:
Education:
- PhD -- Princeton University
Research Specialties:
- Atmospheric Dynamics:
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I like to ask and address basic aspects of the atmospheric phenomena that I believe to be important and interesting. That is, my research is about how and why, and not so much about what. Accordingly, my general research approach is to form hypothesis for a mechanism, and to test the hypothesis. But at the same time, (I believe) my students enjoy a high level of intellectual freedom in the sense that they are strongly encouraged to challenge my ideas! As a research tool, I use relatively simple numerical models, observations, and analytical approaches. More information.
Biography:
- Member of Graduate Faculty
- EMS Environment Institute
Research Interests
General circulation of the atmosphere, midlatitude storm tracks, low-frequency variability of large-scale atmospheric flow, geostrophic turbulence, wind-driven ocean circulation, and thermohaline circulation.
Teaching Interests
Atmospheric dynamics, physical oceanography, and earth system science.
I am interested in geophysical fluid dynamics in general, but my primary interest lies with basic aspects of large-scale (horizontal scale greater than 1000km) atmospheric phenomena which explain most of the atmospheric energy. As such, atmospheric motions at these large scales play a key role in physical processes of many other atmospheric phenomena. My recent studies include understanding the structure and maintenance mechanisms of the eastward wind current (this is comprised of the so-called subtropical and polar-front jets) and the vertically overturning circulation throughout the tropics and subtropics (this is called the Hadley circulation). Such investigations not only reflect academic interest, but are also crucial for providing a physical and theoretical basis for understanding more practical problems such as the atmospheric response to global warming and climate variability.
I am also interested in multiple jets in quasi-geostrophic turbulence in the context of planetary atmospheres and oceans. To get a better flavor of my research interest, refer to my publications listed in http://www.meteo.psu.edu/~sl.
Graduate Students
I like to ask and address basic aspects of the atmospheric phenomena that I believe to be important and interesting. That is, my research is about how and why, and not so much about what. Accordingly, my general research approach is to form hypothesis for a mechanism, and to test the hypothesis. But at the same time, (I believe) my students enjoy a high level of intellectual freedom in the sense that they are strongly encouraged to challenge my ideas! As a research tool, I use relatively simple numerical models, observations, and analytical approaches.
Selected Publications
Lee, S., and H.-k. Kim 2003: The dynamical relationship between subtropical and eddy-driven jets. J. Atmos. Sci., 60, 1490-1503.
Franzke, C., S. Lee, and S. B. Feldstein, 2003: Is the North Atlantic Oscillation a breaking wave? J. Atmos. Sci., accepted.
Thompson, D. W. , S. Lee, and M. P. Baldwin, 2003: Atmospheric processes governing the Northern Hemisphere annular mode/North Atlantic Oscillation. American Geophysical Union. Ed. J. W. Hurrell, Y. Kushnir, G. Ottersen, and M. Visbeck.
Chang, E., S. Lee, and K. L. Swanson 2002: Storm track Dynamics. J. Climate, 15, 2163-2183.
Kim, H.-K., and S. Lee, 2001: Hadley cell dynamics in a primitive equation model: Part II. Non-axisymmetric flow. J. Atmos. Sci., 58, 2859-2871.
Cash, B., and S. Lee, 2001: Observed nonmodal growth of the Pacific-North American Teleconnection pattern. J. Climate, 14, 1017-1028.
Lee, S. 1999: Why are the climatological zonal mean winds easterly in the equatorial upper troposphere? J. Atmos. Sci., 56, 1353-1363.
Lee, S., 1997: Maintenance of multiple jets in a baroclinic flow. J. Atmos. Sci., 53, 1726-1738.
