Laura BiancoResearch Scientist |
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BiographyDr. Bianco is a researcher in the field of remote sensing of the atmospheric boundary layer. The boundary layer is the turbulent layer closest to the Earth's surface, and knowledge of its depth and structure is essential for improving meteorological forecasts. In particular, knowledge of the boundary layer is important for real-time forecasting of dispersion of hazardous materials; for accurate forecasting of temperatures in weather and climate models; and for predicting ozone and particulate matter concentrations in air quality forecast models. Most recently, Dr. Bianco has expanded her research to begin an investigation of boundary layer processes in hurricanes. In particular, she has undertaken a study of the effects that sea-spray droplets have in controlling the maximum intensity that hurricanes reach. Hurricanes are essentially heat engines that are driven by the transfer of heat energy from the warm ocean to the cooler atmosphere, and Dr. Bianco's work in this field is aimed to demonstrate the importance of sea-spray droplets in transferring this energy. |
Education
- Ph.D., Atmospheric Science, University of L'Aquila, Italy, Feb 2002
- M.S., Atmospheric Science, University of L'Aquila, Italy, Jul 1998
Professional Information
Research Interests
- Boundary-layer meteorology
- Remote sensing of the atmosphere
- Radar wind profiler signal processing
- Air-sea interaction
- Hurricane modeling