Areas of expertise:

• Lee waves, lee-wave rotors.

• Downslope windstorms.

• Low-level orographic turbulence.

• Temperature variation in complex terrain.

Publications by Peter 

Current activities

Peter is a scientist working on orographic processes. His research involves use of detailed, intensive field observations and fine-scale computer models to study the dependence of winds and temperatures in regions of hilly or mountainous terrain on atmospheric conditions. This enables the development of tools to assist forecasters in interpreting the large scale forecast from the Unified Model in terms of local detail, including automated post-processing techniques to "downscale" the basic Unified Model output to provide information at smaller spatial scales within complex terrain.
 
Peter makes advanced use of numerical models (Unified Model, BLASIUS) for his research, and is experienced in analysing large observational datasets recorded during intensive field campaigns around the world. The main focus of his current work is on improving the guidance for forecasting wind hazards to aviation in a location close to the Himalayas, and improving forecasts of low temperatures (related to road ice and fog formation)  in hilly areas of the UK.  

Career background

Peter joined the Met Office as a member of APP in 2003. Prior to this, he obtained an MPhys in the Department of Physics, University of Leeds in 1998, and completed a PhD in Physics in the same department in 2002.  

Peter's work in the orography group has previously focused on understanding the conditions that lead to lee-wave rotor formation in different mountainous locations. More recently his interests have broadened to include the study of accumulation of  cold air at low levels in complex terrain, and the behaviour of regional wind systems in the vicinity of large mountain-ranges.