Tropical Cyclones and Climate: Insights from Fluid Dynamics
Fluid dynamics plays a vital role in understanding how global warming influences tropical cyclones—from their formation and structure to the risks they pose to communities around the world. In this installment of the DFD Webinar Series on the Societal Impact of Fluid Dynamics, leading experts discuss advances in forecasting, preparedness, and emerging research shaping the future of hurricane and typhoon science.
🎥 View the full recording on the American Physical Society YouTube channel.
Event Details
- Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
- Time: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. ET
Panelists
- Dr. Suzana Camargo, Professor of Climate, Columbia University
Expert in extreme events and tropical cyclones; Fellow of the American Geophysical Union
- Dr. Pinaki Chakraborty, Professor, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
Specialist in turbulent, atmospheric, and granular flows
- Dr. Kerry Emanuel, Professor of Atmospheric Science, MIT
Pioneer in hurricane–climate research; Member of the National Academy of Sciences
- Dr. Morgan O’Neill, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Researcher focused on severe convection and hurricane physics
Moderators & Organizers
Overview
Understanding the interplay between global warming and tropical cyclones is a rapidly evolving challenge—and one in which fluid dynamics provides essential insight. This panel explores how multiphase flow, thermodynamics, ocean–atmosphere interactions, and large-scale circulation govern the behavior of these powerful storms.
The discussion highlights:
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Advances in hurricane and typhoon forecasting
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Preparedness and resilience strategies
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Emerging research frontiers in tropical cyclone science
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Opportunities for fluid dynamicists to contribute to societal challenges
Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how cutting-edge fluid dynamics research helps communities better anticipate and respond to one of the most urgent climate-related threats of our time.