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Climate Change from the Tropics

Tropical perspective earns Rosenstiel School climate change researcher prestigious award

VIRGINIA KEY, FL (July 16, 2007) — A different take on climate change theories has earned a Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science researcher one of the most prestigious awards from the American Geophysical Union. Dr. Amy Clement, an associate professor of meteorology and physical oceanography, has been named the 2007 James B. Macelwane Medal recipient, an award reserved for outstanding young scientists to honor their significant contributions to geophysical science. The medal will be formally presented to Dr. Clement at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union on December 12^th in San Francisco, CA.

Clement's research has provided new insights into how the climate system operates by studying climate changes that have occurred in the past. Focusing on the tropical climate, Clement challenged previously held ideas about the driving forces behind climate change. By using computer models, she has shown that changes in El Niño were essential aspects of dramatic changes in the climate that occurred in the past. She has also extended these ideas about the role of the tropics in climate change to variations that occurred during the 20th century, and possible future changes as well.

“In a decade or so, Clement has established the kind of reputation that often takes an entire career. She has a knack for posing fundamental new questions about the coupled climate system and addressing them in a way that reveals very transparently the processes at work,” said Dr. William E. Johns, Chair of the Division of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography at the Rosenstiel School.

In January 2007, Clement was also awarded the American Meteorological Society's Meisinger Award in recognition of “research achievement that is, at least in part, meteorological in character and concerns the observation, theory, and modeling of atmospheric motions on all scales. The award is given to young promising atmospheric scientists who have recently shown outstanding ability.” Clement has also been recognized by the National Science Foundation with an Early Career award, as a contributor to the IPCC 4th Assessment Report, and has served on several national and international panels.

“Clement's original works, published in over 31 peer-reviewed journal papers, have contributed to increasing recognition of the importance of the tropics in driving global climate change. Her highly cited work has lead to a new way of thinking about climate change having an impact on ocean and atmospheric sciences, and paleoclimate research,” said Rana Fine, professor of marine and atmospheric chemistry.

Established in 1961 and renamed in 1986 in honor of James B. Macelwane, the medal recognizes significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by an outstanding young scientist. Macelwane, a leader in developing seismology on a firm theoretical basis, was renowned not only for his contributions to geophysics but also for his deep interest in teaching and encouraging young scientists.

Clement, originally from Huntington, N.Y., earned her bachelor's degree in physics from Columbia College at Columbia University, and doctoral degree in geological sciences also from Columbia University. Her research in recent years has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation paleoclimate program, NASA, and NOAA.

Media Contact:
Ivy Kupec, Communications Director
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
305.421.4704 (o)
http://www.rsmas.miami.edu