My research interests are aligned with understanding how our climate is changing as a result of both natural and anthropogenic processes. Investigations are performed using a variety of tools including global and mechanistic models of the atmosphere, and various observational networks. Present projects include:

• Detection and attribution of climate change: Coupled atmosphere-ocean climate model simulations used for the IPCC's AR4 are used to investigate how changes in greenhouse gases, ozone and volcanic aerosols affect the circulation and structure of the stratosphere and upper troposphere.

• The quasi-biennial oscillation: The connection between the quasi-biennial oscillation and changes in stratospheric ozone, enhanced greenhouse gases and solar variability are studied using analytical and mechanistic models of the atmosphere.

• California temperature trends: California station data is being analyzed to characterize long term trends and then, using climate models, to determine if these changes are natural or anthropogenic in origin.

• Wave-ozone feedbacks and the solar cycle: Vertically propagating atmospheric waves are important contributors to the variability of circulations in the troposphere and stratosphere. In the stratosphere, waves in ozone distribution perturb the heating distribution and can modify the amplitude and phase of the wave. This feedback, termed, 'wave-ozone feedback', is a mechanism that explains a pathway by which changes in ozone can directly affect wave dynamics. At present, we are studying how ozone variability (i.e. solar cycle or long term trends) affects wave dynamics and how this impacts the circulation and climate of the atmosphere.

Climate Change Education

The communication of the causes, impact and implications of our changing climate is a critical component to any mitigation strategy. I am presently working on developing new methods for teaching climate change that engage the public and ultimately stimulate social change. Part of this work includes using the ecological footprint to bridge global warming with personal energy use. I am also trialing the use of personal responsive devices in my teaching and public lectures.

Food Climate Connections

The awareness that our food choices can have a larger impact on global warming than the car we drive is a somewhat novel concept in mainstream America. In a project with Bay Area chef, Laura Stec, Cool Cuisine: Taking the Bite out of Global Warming (L. Stec and E. Cordero, Publisher: Gibbs Smith, 244 pages) is an exploration of the connections between the food we eat and our changing climate through a unique combination of science and culinary art. Chef Stec explores these connections through interviews with farmers, doctors and scientists all at the frontier of an emerging food revolution. Cool Cuisine offers tasty recipes, tips and techniques that focus on Seasonal, Local, Organic and Whole (SLOW) foods that enrich our planet and ourselves. The book came out in October 2008. For further details, see our website.

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Selected Recent Publications

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