Letter From Chair

Welcome to the Division of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Man’s very existence depends on the Earth’s Atmosphere and its Oceans. But there are many challenges to be faced if we are to develop a capability to predict the variability of these systems, whether it be daily weather patterns or global climate change. To address these challenges, our division seeks to describe and understand the physics of the atmospheric and oceanic environments both independently and as a coupled system, as well as an interdisciplinary component of other studies. Further, we work to convey and apply this understanding to provide a basis for informed application of our scientific findings to societal needs.

Our division has a particular interest in knowing if and how Man’s activities may be affecting regional and global climate. We work to better understand factors affecting the development and intensity of heavy weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes and rainstorms. And we strive to explore the vast reaches of the ocean and to model its complex eddy and circulation features. Our combination of strong and closely-linked meteorology and oceanography programs provides a unique environment that promotes advances on air-sea interaction and coastal oceanography and meteorology problems. This combination provides fundamental contributions to interdisciplinary studies involving marine and atmospheric chemistry, marine biology, and applied marine physics.

The Division develops and applies cutting-edge tools that allow for the advancement of techniques for both observing and modeling the ocean and atmosphere and the inherent coupling between the two fluids. Fieldwork using the latest technology provides many opportunities for students to experience first-hand methods for exploring atmospheric and oceanic phenomena over all parts of the globe.

We invite you to share our excitement about the physical world around us by exploring the information on our web page. If you would like to learn more about us or have specific questions, please send me an e-mail or set up a time to come visit the Rosenstiel School on the University of Miami’s Virginia Key Campus. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Peter Minnett
Professor and Chair
Meteorology and Physical Oceanography
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