Climate
Heat waves are continuous high temperature processes, which are defined as the daily maximum temperature exceeding the absolute-relative combined high temperature thresholds for more than three consecutive days in this study. Because of its unprecedented casualties, devastating compound disasters and irreversible deterioration trends, heat waves have attracted worldwide concern, while its global changes and socioeconomic impacts still need further study. Using three historical reanalysis data and multi scenario CMIP6 modeled data, Global Heat Wave Toolbox (GHWT) was developed to generate heat wave matrix from 1971 to 2100. The long-term changing characteristics of global heat waves were also analyzed.
I am an early- climate scientist pushing the boundaries of understanding wildfires and climate extremes using hydroclimatic, data-driven, and geostatistical approaches. My work has led to step-changes in understanding the synchronicity and persistence of extreme fire weather, factors that strongly influence extreme fire activity. I focus my recent work on extreme wildfires, one of the most societally and environmentally destructive consequences of climate change. I increasingly concentrate on predicting extreme wildfires and developing a mechanistic understanding of their causes, contributing to advances in fire science and fire management, with the potential to save lives and property.
I work with Prof. John Abatzoglou, who leads the Climatology Lab at University of California, Merced.