Our research group offer thesis topics for students of the master [Earth and Environment at Wageningen University](https://www.wur.nl/en/education-programmes/master/msc-programmes/msc-earth-and-environment.htm). These topics align closely with ongoing projects and change over time. ## Clouds and solar radiation Within the [[SLOCS]] project we analyze field observations of incoming solar radiation and clouds in order to understand the peaks and dips in surface solar irradiance that are the results of clouds. As the figure below shows, clouds do not only create shadows, but also peaks in irradiance as a result of reflection of lights on clouds. These peaks we do not understand well, and we aim to learn more about their properties. This understanding is crucial for the incorporation of more solar energy into our electricity grid. ![[vidi_website.png]] *Surface solar irradiance as observed in Cabauw at a 1s time resolution, The Netherlands, 11 August 2018. (Data courtesy Wouter Knap, KNMI)* Potential thesis activities: 1. Data analysis of radiation and cloud observations 2. 3D simulation of cumulus clouds with [[MicroHH]] 3. 3D simulation of land surface-radiation-cloud interactions 4. Machine-learning emulators for radiative transfer models ## Fire meteorology The [[EWED]] project is aimed at understanding fire plume dynamics better to aid the wildfire community with better forecasts of fire behavior and associated risk.  *Simulation of a fire plume without moist convection.* Potential thesis activities: 1. 3D simulation of fire plumes with [[MicroHH]] 1. 3D simulation of pyrocumulus clouds with [[MicroHH]] 1. Conceptual modelling of fire plumes ## Next-generation weather models In [[nextGEMS]] we work with data of the next-generation global weather and climate models to assess their behavior.  1. Evaluate all aspects of the surface weather with 30 years of data. ## Turbulence and (deep) convection With 3D simulation models such as [[MicroHH]] it is possible nowadays to simulate clouds and convection at a very high detail level and use these simulations as a *virtual laboratory*. Within this there there are many topics, the animations below show some examples. <div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/901517622?h=aa0fdcc7ab&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script> *Thunderstorm dynamics in the Weisman Klemp bubble case* <div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/306660827?h=76aee09d56&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script> *Deep tropical convection in the ITCZ* <div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/903271032?h=c872a35f1d&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script> *Realistic simulations of clouds over The Netherlands*