Dr L Ruby Leung

My research areas are in global and regional climate modeling. One of my focus is on developing subgrid cloud parameterizations for the models to account for subgrid variability due to orographic and turbulence effects. By improving the cloud and precipitation simulations, I have been able to demonstrate the technique of coupling regional climate model with hydrology and ecosystem models. This allows me to study the impacts of climate change and variability on water resources and ecosystems. I have used the coupled climate-hydrology modeling approach to estimate the impacts of climate change on mountain water resources in the Pacific Northwest, and also study the usefulness of seasonal climate forecasts for water resources management in river basins.