McMaster Hydrometeorology & Climatology Group
Primary research interests of the Hydrometeorology and Climatology Group at the McMaster University are in:
- Physical Hydrology with particular emphasis on hydrometeorology
- Biometeorology
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Modelling at local, regional, and global scales
- Urban air quality
We focus on observation, modelling and theoretical studies of the physical, biological and chemical processes that govern water, carbon, nitrogen and energy exchanges between terrestrial vegetation ecosystems and the atmosphere. Simulation of these processes in Terrestrial Ecosystem and Hydrological models helps to improve weather and climate predictions.
Our Turkey Point Flux Station Project is evaluating the carbon uptake potential of different-age planted forests to offset greenhouse gas emissions and how these forests may be affected by extreme weather events such as droughts and future climate change. We are involved in the development and testing of Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS) and Canadian Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (CTEM), used in the Canadian regional and global climate models.
Our group has participated and contributed in synthesis studies to upscale carbon, water and energy fluxes to regional and global scales under Fluxnet- Canada, global Fluxnet, North American Carbon Program (NACP) and Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere (LBA) initiatives.
Our group also focuses on studying air pollution in urban areas such as Greater Toronto Hamilton region and its impact on human health, with particular emphasis on traffic related emissions and land use regression models.