A quantitative, physico-chemically based understanding of
the multiphase flow and heat and mass transfer aspects of
exhaled bioaerosols is the objective of this research
project. This process includes their generation and
transport in the respiratory system to their
evaporation/condensation in the ambient environment or
growth and deposition in an external device. Applications
considered include exhaled breath condensation (EBC)
devices as well as the transport and fate of
droplet-borne pathogens within the context of the
spreading of infectious agents. Current efforts are
focused on the development of predictive integrated
numerical models of these processes.
Science divides itself among different scales, from
fundamental particles up through ecosystems. Often
working on a single level provides a powerful abstraction
-- we can ignore most of the details of chemistry when
describing predator-prey population dynamics. When we
seek to understand how the properties of one level of
science emerge from the dynamics of the one below, we can
be in for some surprises. Today, we'll focus on how
differences in individual behavior impact population
level dynamics. To bridge these two scales, we will be
guided by the theory of Markov processes, statistical
mechanics, and computational models.
The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) in zonal-mean wind
is among the most remarkable wave-driven features of the
atmosphere. Located within the lower tropical
stratosphere, the QBO is characterized by zonal winds
that oscillate between easterly and westerly with an
average period of 27 months. Although the QBO is
confined to the tropics, its influence extends throughout
the globe. Yet, despite its global reach and importance,
Global Climate Models (GCMs) have difficulty reproducing
the QBO. This difficulty is largely due to the inability
of the GCMs to accurately resolve the high frequency,
small-scale waves that drive the QBO. Therefore,
mechanistic models are often used as a tool to isolate
the physics and gain insight to the QBO.
In this talk, I will use a mechanistic model to discuss
how ozone affects the waves that drive the QBO. This is
an important scientific issue in light of studies that
show that ozone is projected to undergo episodic and
secular changes in coming decades due to both human and
natural causes.
Multiscale methods in ecology and evolution
Carl Boettiger
Ozone affect on the QBO
Dustin Grogan