Prof. Brian Soden
RSMAS/MPO
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
Telephone: 305.421.4202
bsoden@rsmas.miami.edu

Global Climate Change, Climate Modeling, Remote Sensing

The sensitivity of Earth's climate to an increase in carbon dioxide will depend strongly on the response of clouds and water vapor. My research strives to better understand the role of atmospheric hydrologic processes in governing climate and climate change through the use of satellite observations and mathematical models of Earth's climate.

This research is motivated by the need to better understand how human activities are altering Earth's climate. The response of the climate system to an increase in greenhouse gases is governed by a complex superposition of feedback processes. Differences in the way these feedbacks are represented in models are the primary contributor to uncertainties in model projections of future climate change.

Because of their ability to provide global observations, remotely-sensed measurements are a key focus of my research. Satellite observations of water vapor, clouds, and precipitation are used to understand the mechanisms which drive changes in the hydrological cycle and evaluate their representation in climate models. Results from these comparisons provide key guidance which is necessary to assess model projections of future global warming.