Dr. Matthew D. Brown Parker

Experience:

2015-                     Professor, Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, NC State University

2008-2015         Associate Professor, Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, NC State University

2005-2008         Assistant Professor, Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, NC State University

2002-2005         Assistant Professor, Geosciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

1999-2002         Ph.D., Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University

1996-1999         M.S., Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University

1992-1996         B.S., Meteorology, Valparaiso University

Publications data:

Google Scholar profile: zHIR6e8AAAAJ

Publons (ResearcherID) profile: A-5156-2008

ORCID: 0000-0002-7137-542X

Refereed publications:

Werkema, A. D., M. D. Parker, and B. E. Coffer, in press: Interactions between supercells in multi-storm simulations.  Mon. Wea. Rev., accepted in final form July 2025.  Download as a PDF file

Blind-Doskocil, L., R. J. Trapp, S. W. Nesbitt, M. D. Parker, K. A. Kosiba, and J. Wurman, in press: Characteristics of tornadic and nontornadic QLCS mesovortices observed using radar and pod data from PERiLS. Wea. Forecasting, accepted in final form July 2025.  Download as a PDF file

Silcott, M. K., M. D. Parker, K. A. Kosiba, S. W. Nesbitt, R. J. Trapp, J. Wurman, and C. C. Weiss, in press: Properties of cold pools from PERiLS 2022-2023.  Mon. Wea. Rev., accepted in final form July 2025.  Download as a PDF file

Wolff, E. C. , R. J. Trapp, S. W. Nesbitt, M. D. Parker, K. A. Kosiba, and J. Wurman, in press: On discrete convective updrafts and tornadoes in quasi-linear convective systems.  Wea. Forecasting, accepted in final form May 2025.  Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B. E., M. D. Parker, M. C. Coniglio, and C. R. Homeyer, 2025: Supercell environments using GridRad-Severe and the HRRR: Addressing discrepancies between prior tornado climatologies. Wea. Forecasting, 1405-1428.  Download as a PDF file

Kosiba, K. A., and co-authors (M. Parker is 5th author of 36), 2024: The Propagation, Evolution, and Rotation in Linear Storms (PERiLS) Project.  Bull, Amer. Meteor. Soc, 105, E1768-E1799.  Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., 2024: Mesoscale convective systems. Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences, 3rd edition, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-96026-7.00103-X, 1-13.   PDF file available upon request.

Parker, M.D., 2024: Convective storm modeling. Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences, 3rd edition, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-96026-7.00087-4, 1-10.  PDF file available upon request.

Fischer, J., J. M. L. Dahl, B. E. Coffer, J. L. Houser, P. M. Markowski, M. D. Parker,  C. C. Weiss, and A. Schueth, 2024: Supercell tornadogenesis: Recent progress in our state of understanding.  Bull, Amer. Meteor. Soc, 105, E1084-E1097.  Download as a PDF file

Campbell, T.  A. , G. M. Lackmann, M. J. Molina, and M. D. Parker, 2024: Severe convective storms in limited instability organized by pattern and distribution.  Wea. Forecasting, 39, 217-240.  Download as a PDF file

Goldacker, N. A., and M. D. Parker, 2023: Assessing the comparative effects of storm-relative helicity components within right-moving supercell environments.  J. Atmos. Sci., 80, 2805-2822.  Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B.E. , M. D. Parker, J. M. Peters, and A. R. Wade, 2023: Supercell low-level mesocyclones: Origins of inflow and vorticity.  Mon Wea. Rev., 115, 2205-2232.  Download as a PDF file

Loeffler, S. D., M. R. Kumjian, P. M. Markowski, B. E. Coffer, and M. D. Parker, 2023: Investigating the relationship between polarimetric radar signatures of hydrometeor size sorting and tornadic potential in simulated supercells.  Mon. Wea. Rev., 151, 1863-1884.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., 2023:  How well must surface vorticity be organized for tornadogenesis?  J. Atmos Sci., 80, 1433-1448.  Download as a PDF file

Peters, J. M., B. E. Coffer, M. D. Parker, C. J. Nowotarski, J. P. Mulholland, C. J. Nixon, and J. T. Allen, 2023:  Disentangling the influences of storm-relative flow and horizontal streamwise vorticity on low-level mesocyclones in supercells.   J. Atmos. Sci., 80, 129-149.  Download as a PDF file

Lovell, L. T., and M. D. Parker, 2022: Simulated QLCS vortices in a high-shear low-CAPE environment.  Wea. Forecasting, 37, 989-1012.  Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B. E. , and M. D. Parker, 2022: Infrasound signals in simulated nontornadic and pre-tornadic supercells. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 151, 939-954.   Download as a PDF file (link to ASA's online copy); PDF file also available upon request

Goldacker, N. A., and M. D. Parker, 2021: Low-level updraft intensification in response to environmental wind profiles.  J. Atmos. Sci., 78, 2763-2781.  Download as a PDF file

Wade, A. R., and M. D. Parker, 2021: Dynamics of simulated high-shear low-CAPE supercells.  J. Atmos. Sci., 78, 1389-1410.  Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., 2021: Self-organization and maintenance of simulated nocturnal convective systems from PECAN.  Mon. Wea. Rev., 149, 999-1022.  Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B. E. , M. D. Parker, and M. Taszarek, 2020: Near-ground wind profiles of tornadic and nontornadic environments in the United States and Europe from ERA5 reanalyses.  Wea. Forecasting, 35, 2621-2638.  Download as a PDF file 

Coniglio, M. C., and M. D. Parker, 2020: Insights into supercells and their environments from three decades of targeted radiosonde observations. Mon. Wea. Rev., 148, 4893-4915.  Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., B. S. Borchardt, R. L. Miller, and C. L. Ziegler, 2020: Simulated evolution and severe wind production by the 25-26 June 2015 nocturnal MCS from PECAN.  Mon. Wea. Rev., 148, 183-209.    Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B. E., M. D. Parker, R. L. Thompson, B. T. Smith, and R. E. Jewell, 2019: Using near-ground storm relative helicity in supercell tornado forecasting. Wea. Forecasting, 34, 1417-1435.  Download as a PDF file

Hitchcock, S. M., R. S. Schumacher, G. R. Herman, M. C. Coniglio, M. D. Parker, and C. L. Ziegler, 2019: Evolution of pre- and post-convective environmental profiles from mesoscale convective systems during PECAN. Mon. Wea. Rev., 147, 2329-2354.  Download as a PDF file

Sherburn, K. D., and M. D. Parker, 2019: The development of severe vortices within simulated high-shear low-CAPE convection. Mon. Wea. Rev., 147, 2189-2216.  Download as a PDF file

Sherburn, K. D., M. D. Parker, C. E. Davenport, R. A. Sirico, J. L. Blaes, B. Black, S. E. McLamb, M. C. Mugrage, and R. M. Rackliffe, 2019: Partnering research, education, and operations via a cool season severe weather soundings program.  Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 100, 307-320.  Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B. E., and M. D. Parker, 2018: Is there a "tipping point" between simulated nontornadic and tornadic supercells in VORTEX2 environments? Mon. Wea. Rev., 146, 2667-2693. Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B. E., M. D. Parker, J. M. L. Dahl, L. J. Wicker, and A. J. Clark, 2017: Volatility of tornadogenesis: An ensemble of simulated nontornadic and tornadic supercells in VORTEX2 environments. Mon. Wea. Rev., 145, 4605-4625. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., 2017: How much does "backing aloft" actually impact a supercell? Wea. Forecasting, 32, 1937-1957. Download as a PDF file

Peters, J., E. R. Nielsen, M. D. Parker, S. H. Hitchcock, and R. S. Schumacher, 2017: The impact of low-level moisture errors on model forecasts of an MCS observed during PECAN. Mon. Wea. Rev., 145, 3599-3624. Download as a PDF file

MacIntosh, C. W., and M. D. Parker, 2017: The 6 May 2010 elevated supercell during VORTEX2. Mon. Wea. Rev., 145, 2635-2657. Download as a PDF file

Geerts, B., and co-authors (M. Parker is 19th author of 27), 2017: The 2015 Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field project. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 98, 767-786. Download as a PDF file

King, J. R., M. D. Parker, K. D. Sherburn, and G. M. Lackmann, 2017: Rapid evolution of cool season, low CAPE severe thunderstorm environments. Wea. Forecasting, 32, 763-779. Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B. E., and M. D. Parker, 2017: Simulated supercells in nontornadic and tornadic VORTEX2 environments. Mon. Wea. Rev., 145, 149-180. Download as a PDF file

Sherburn, K. D., M. D. Parker, J. R. King, and G. M. Lackman, 2016: Composite environments of severe and non-severe high-shear, low-CAPE convective events. Wea. Forecasting, 31, 1899-1927. Download as a PDF file

Davenport, C. E., and M. D. Parker, 2015: Impact of environmental heterogeneity on the dynamics of a dissipating supercell thunderstorm. Mon. Wea. Rev. 143, 4244-4277. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., and J. M. L. Dahl, 2015: Production of near-surface vertical vorticity by idealized downdrafts. Mon. Wea. Rev., 143, 2795-2816. Download as a PDF file

Coffer, B.E., and M. D. Parker, 2015: Impacts of increasing lower tropospheric vertical wind shear on supercells during the early evening transition. Mon. Wea. Rev., 143, 1945-1969. Download as a PDF file

Davenport, C. E., and M. D. Parker, 2015: Observations of the 9 June 2009 dissipating supercell from VORTEX2. Wea. Forecasting, 30, 368-388. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., 2015: Convective storm modeling. Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences, 2nd edition, G. R. North, J. Pyle, and F. Zhang, Eds., Volume 4, Academic Press Elsevier, 246-254. PDF file available upon request.

French, A. J., and M. D. Parker, 2014: Numerical simulations of bow echo formation following a squall line - supercell merger. Mon. Wea. Rev., 142, 4791-4822. Download as a PDF file

Dahl, J. M. L., M. D. Parker, and L. J. Wicker, 2014: Imported and storm-generated near-ground vertical vorticity in a simulated supercell. J. Atmos. Sci., 71, 3027-3051. Download as a PDF file

Davis, J. M., and M. D. Parker, 2014: Radar climatology of tornadic and non-tornadic vortices in high shear, low CAPE environments in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S. Wea. Forecasting, 29, 828-853. Download as a PDF file

Sherburn, K. D., and M. D. Parker, 2014: Climatology and ingredients of significant severe convection in high shear, low CAPE environments. Wea. Forecasting, 29, 854-877. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., 2014: Composite VORTEX2 supercell environments from near-storm soundings. Mon. Wea. Rev., 142, 508-529. Download as a PDF file

Letkewicz, C. E., A. J. French, and M. D. Parker, 2013: Base-state substitution: An idealized modeling technique for approximating environmental variability. Mon. Wea. Rev., 141, 3062-3086. Download as a PDF file

Yuter, S. E., M. A. Miller, M. D. Parker, P. M. Markowski, Y. Richardson, H. Brooks, and J. M. Straka, 2013: Comment on "Why do tornadoes and hailstorms rest on weekends?" by D. Rosenfeld and T. Bell.J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 118, 1-7, doi:10.1002/jgrd.50526. Download as a PDF file (link to Wiley's online copy); PDF file also available upon request

Dahl, J. M. L., M. D. Parker, and L. J. Wicker, 2012: Uncertainties in trajectory calculations within near-surface mesoscyclones of simulated supercells. Mon. Wea. Rev., 140, 2959-2966. Download as a PDF file

French, A. J., and M. D. Parker, 2012: Observations of mergers between squall lines and isolated supercell thunderstorms. Wea. Forecasting., 27, 255-278. Download as a PDF file

Billings, J. M., and M. D. Parker, 2012: Evolution and maintenance of the 22-23 June 2003 nocturnal convection during BAMEX. Wea. Forecasting., 27, 279-300. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., 2012: Impacts of lapse rates upon low-level rotation in idealized storms. J. Atmos. Sci., 69, 538-559. Download as a PDF file

Letkewicz, C. E., and M. D. Parker, 2011: Impact of environmental variations on simulated squall lines interacting with terrain. Mon. Wea. Rev., 139, 3163-3183. Download as a PDF file

Morin, M. J., and M. D. Parker, 2011: A numerical investigation of supercells in landfalling tropical cyclones. Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L10801, doi:10.1029/2011GL047448. Download as a PDF file (link to AGU's online copy); PDF file also available upon request

Bryan, G. H., and M. D. Parker, 2010: Observations of a squall line and its near environment using high-frequency rawinsonde launches during VORTEX2. Mon. Wea. Rev., 138, 4076-4097. Download as a PDF file

French, A. J., and M. D. Parker, 2010: The response of simulated nocturnal convective systems to a developing low-level jet. J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 3384-3408. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., 2010: Relationship between system slope and updraft intensity in squall lines. Mon. Wea. Rev., 138, 3572-3578. Download as a PDF file

Letkewicz, C. E., and M. D. Parker, 2010: Forecasting the maintenance of mesoscale convective systems crossing the Appalachian Mountains. Wea. Forecasting, 25, 1179-1195. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M. D., 2010: Comments on "A comparison of tropical and midlatitude thunderstorm evolution in response to wind shear." J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 1700-1707. Download as a PDF file

Kiefer, M. T., M. D. Parker, and J. J. Charney, 2010: Regimes of dry convection above wildfires: Sensitivity to fireline details. J. Atmos. Sci., 67, 611-632. Download as a PDF file

Mahoney, K. M., G. L. Lackmann, and M. D. Parker, 2009: The role of momentum transport in the motion of a quasi-idealized mesoscale convective system. Mon. Wea. Rev., 137, 3316-3338. Download as a PDF file

Kiefer, M.T., M.D. Parker, and J.J. Charney, 2009: Regimes of dry convection above wildfires: Idealized numerical simulations and dimensional analysis. J. Atmos. Sci., 66, 806-836. Download as a PDF file

Baker, A.K., M.D. Parker, and M.D. Eastin, 2009: Environmental ingredients for supercells and tornadoes within Hurricane Ivan. Wea. Forecasting, 24, 223-244. Download as a PDF file

French, A.J., and M.D. Parker, 2008: The initiation and evolution of multiple modes of convection within a meso-alpha scale region. Wea. Forecasting, 23, 1221-1252. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., 2008: Response of simulated squall lines to low-level cooling. J. Atmos. Sci., 65, 1323-1341. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D. and D.A. Ahijevych, 2007: Convective episodes in the east-central United States. Mon. Wea. Rev., 135, 3707-3727. Download as a PDF file

Storm, B.A., M.D. Parker, and D.P. Jorgensen, 2007: A convective line with leading stratiform precipitation from BAMEX. Mon. Wea. Rev., 135, 1769-1785. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., 2007: Simulated convective lines with parallel stratiform precipitation. I: An archetype for convection in along-line shear. J. Atmos. Sci., 64, 267-288. Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., 2007: Simulated convective lines with parallel stratiform precipitation. II: Governing dynamics and associated sensitivities. J. Atmos. Sci., 64, 289-313. Download as a PDF file

Bryan, G.H., J.C. Knievel, and M.D. Parker, 2006: A multi-model assessment of RKW Theory's relevance to squall line characteristics. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 2772-2792. Download as a PDF file

Kuchera, E.L., and M.D. Parker, 2006: Severe convective wind environments. Wea. Forecasting, 21, 595-612.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., I.C. Ratcliffe, and G.M. Henebry, 2005: The July 2003 Dakota hailswaths: Creation, characteristics, and possible impacts. Mon. Wea. Rev., 133, 1241-1260.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., and J.C. Knievel, 2005: Do meteorologists suppress thunderstorms? Radar-derived statistics and the behavior of moist convection. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 86, 341-358.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., and R.H. Johnson, 2004: Simulated convective lines with leading precipitation. Part I: Governing dynamics. J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 1637-1655.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., and R.H. Johnson, 2004: Simulated convective lines with leading precipitation. Part II: Evolution and maintenance. J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 1656-1673.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., and R.H. Johnson, 2004: Structures and dynamics of quasi-2D mesoscale convective systems. J. Atmos. Sci., 61, 545-567.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D., S.A. Rutledge and R.H. Johnson, 2001: Cloud-to-ground lightning in linear mesoscale convective systems. Mon. Wea. Rev., 129, 1232-1242.   Download as a PDF file

Parker, M.D. and R.H. Johnson, 2000: Organizational modes of midlatitude mesoscale convective systems. Mon. Wea. Rev., 128, 3413-3436.   Download as a PDF file

Some other interesting publications:

Parker, M.D., 2004: Chasing and observing storms in the High Plains. Colorado Climate, 2002 Summer edition (Vol. 3, No. 3, publ. in 2004), 11-13.

Parker, M.D., 2003: Why is the Park Range Colorado's snowfall capital? Colorado Climate, 2001-2002 Winter edition (Vol. 3, No. 1, publ. in 2003), 1-3.