Journey from cloud modeling to the Lorenz equations --- the microphysical and dynamical effects of aerosols

Sungju Moon, McMaster University

09/26, 2022 at 11:30am-12:30pm (HH403)

First explored by a meteorologist/mathematician Ed Lorenz, the Lorenz ‘63 system remains to be an important learning tool for studying the chaotic dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere. The overarching theme of this talk will be drawn from my personal experience of transitioning from cloud microphysics modeling to the study of various high-dimensional expansions of the Lorenz ‘63 system. Atmospheric models are usually compartmentalized so that different processes are governed separately by the dynamic core and various physics parametrization schemes. Given the complexity involved in operational models, there is a need for a simpler model that can provide stylized patterns of interactions between the physics and dynamics. In this talk, we will focus on a 6-dimensional physically-motivated expansion of the Lorenz system that additionally considers rotation and density-affecting scalar particles. Some unexpected results involving the effects of the particles will be reviewed. Elements of cloud modeling will be briefly introduced to motivate why it is necessary to consider these additional elements.