Complex systems consist of parts that interact with each other in a non-trivial (non-linear) way, like coupled neurons in the brain, like spatially distributed interacting ecological species, or like the ice-ocean-atmosphere coupling in the climate system. Such systems are often very sensitive to perturbations. [more]
Thinning and retreating Arctic sea ice during recent decades with record lows in summer ice extent point to a warming climate in the Arctic. This may lead to changes in storm tracks through the Arctic, North Atlantic and North Pacific, and it may also lead to changes in the Arctic ocean circulation that increase surface temperatures and potentially increase precipitation at northerly latitudes.[more]
Multidisciplinary collaboration with Dr. U Bhatt (UAF Atmospheric Sciences), Dr. D Newman (UAF Physics), Dr. I Polyakov (International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks), and Dr. R Sanchez (Oak Ridge National Laboratory).