Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences

Students with a primary interest in the two fluid envelopes that support life on Earth will find exciting research opportunities in the Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences area of concentration. CUNY faculty members are leaders in studies of weather, climate and hydrology. Current research addresses topics such as storms, droughts, hurricanes, flooding, groundwater depletion and contamination, and their impacts on society. Recently identified trends in the atmosphere, cryosphere and hydrosphere indicate that anthropogenic climate changes now underway will profoundly alter terrestrial and marine hydrological systems with uncertain consequences for humanity. Our studies in paleoclimatology not only help with understanding the Earth’s climate history, but also can provide clues to what the future holds in store. Current research projects include: development of the history of hurricanes, isotope distributions within hurricanes, remote sensing of atmospheric pollutants, surface enhanced zeolites in groundwater treatment facilities, and paleoclimates recorded in the sediments below Antarctic ice shelves.