Research

    The Surface-Atmosphere Interactions Laboratory (SAIL), housed within the Department of Geography at National Taiwan University, is committed to advancing the scientific understanding of the dynamic and multifaceted interactions between the terrestrial surface and the overlying atmosphere. In recent years, these interactions have become a central focus within Earth system science and global environmental change research. As concerns about climate variability, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable land management intensify, the study of land-atmosphere coupling has emerged as a critical frontier in both the physical and social sciences. Aligned with this global research trajectory, our laboratory adopts an integrative approach that combines high-resolution field measurements, satellite-based remote sensing, and advanced numerical modeling to investigate these interactions across multiple spatial (from site-specific to regional) and temporal (from diurnal to interannual) scales. By addressing these complex feedbacks, our work contributes to the development of predictive frameworks necessary for understanding biosphere-atmosphere co-evolution under anthropogenic pressure and climatic stressors. Our research program is organized around two core, interrelated domains. 

    The first domain centers on the quantification of surface-atmosphere fluxes—such as latent and sensible heat, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other trace gases—at the interface between the terrestrial biosphere and the atmospheric boundary layer. This work spans a variety of ecosystem types, including forests, wetlands, agricultural systems, and grasslands. To achieve high-resolution and continuous flux data, we employ state-of-the-art eddy-covariance (EC) techniques, which provide direct measurements of turbulent fluxes based on high-frequency (10–20 Hz) wind and scalar observations. These data are supplemented with micrometeorological methods, including energy balance closure analyses, radiation budget assessments, and profile measurements of temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Together, these techniques allow us to monitor ecosystem function in near real-time and evaluate responses to both short-term disturbances and long-term environmental changes. This empirical foundation is essential for assessing carbon and water budgets, modeling land-surface processes, and informing regional and global climate models with ecosystem-specific parameterizations.

    The second domain addresses the consequences of land use and land cover change (LULCC) on local to regional microclimates, particularly in the context of urban expansion and landscape fragmentation. This line of research focuses on how built environments alter surface thermal properties, energy exchange dynamics, and atmospheric circulation patterns. Specific topics include the urban heat island (UHI) effect, thermal comfort indices, and human thermal stress exposure. Beyond biophysical processes, we incorporate a social-ecological systems perspective by applying social-ecological network analysis and stakeholder mapping to understand the governance structures, decision-making processes, and socio-spatial dynamics influencing land cover transitions. This approach enables us to identify key actors (e.g., policymakers, urban planners, community stakeholders) and the relationships among them that shape land use outcomes. By integrating these perspectives, our research not only elucidates the physical mechanisms driving microclimatic change but also provides actionable insights for designing equitable and resilient urban environments. 

Through these complementary lines of inquiry, the Surface-Atmosphere Interactions Laboratory contributes to the broader scientific effort to understand and model coupled human-environment systems. By linking empirical observations with theoretical frameworks, we aim to provide scientific evidence that supports adaptive policy and management strategies. Our findings inform land use planning, ecosystem conservation, and climate adaptation initiatives at both local and regional levels. Furthermore, by engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration across climatology, ecology, urban studies, and social science, we strive to bridge the gap between environmental research and societal needs. Ultimately, our work seeks to enhance environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of accelerating climate change and anthropogenic pressures, fostering informed decision-making for future generations.