Research Themes

The GeoSpatial Techniques for Observation and Research in Meteorology (GeoSTORM) Lab explores how weather, climate, and the environment shape life in the Philippines, and how science and technology can help communities prepare for environmental hazards. 

We combine meteorology, environmental science, data science, and geospatial analysis to study tropical cyclones, extreme weather, environmental change, and climate impacts. 

These themes highlight areas we aim to explore and invite contributions from future students, collaborators, and partners. 

Tropical Cyclones, Extreme Weather and Climate

• How do typhoons interact with the Philippine landscape to produce rainfall, wind, and storm surge impacts?

• What environmental conditions drive rapid intensification before landfall?

• How can we better represent tropical cyclone impacts in regional datasets and models?

• How can we improve detection and forecasting of extreme rainfall, wind, heat, and humidity events?

• What combinations of weather systems (e.g., monsoon surges + tropical cyclones) produce the most severe impacts?

• How can we evaluate and enhance the performance of climate and reanalysis datasets for extremes in the Philippines?

Data Science in Meteorology and Environmental Science

• How can machine learning and statistical post-processing improve forecasts and reanalysis products for local conditions?

• Which environmental predictors are most important for high-impact weather events?

• How can we combine physics-based and AI-based approaches for faster, more accurate hazard prediction?

Earth Observation And Environmental Applications

• How does land use, land cover, and topography influence local weather and hazard exposure?

• How can we monitor changes in crop extent and agricultural land use using satellite data?

• What remote sensing methods are most effective for mapping coastal and nearshore bathymetry?

• How can geospatial tools integrate meteorological, hydrological, and socio-economic data for decision support?

• How do vegetation and forest cover influence local temperature and microclimates?

• What are effective methods for mapping and monitoring environmental resources?

• How can remote sensing be used to monitor drought onset, duration, and recovery?

• How do land–atmosphere interactions affect environmental sustainability?

Science Communication

• What makes technical weather and climate information clear and actionable for different audiences?

• How can data visualization improve public understanding and preparedness?

• How should we communicate uncertainty in forecasts to support risk-informed decisions?