03-21-12
John H. Seinfeld, Louis E. Nohl Professor and Professor of Chemical Engineering, and past Engineering and Applied Science Division Chair has recieved the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, an honor regarded as the top prize of environmental science, environmental health, and energy. He has won the prize for "his groundbreaking work leading to the understanding of the origin, chemistry, and evolution of particles in the atmosphere." [Caltech Feature]
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John H. Seinfeld
01-05-12
A new computer model of the atmosphere and methane cycle of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, explains baffling observations of its lakes and storms. "We have a unified explanation for many of the observed features," says Tapio Schneider, the Frank J. Gilloon Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering. "It doesn't require cryovolcanoes or anything esoteric." [Caltech Press Release]
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Tapio Schneider
08-29-11
Andrew Thompson, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, joined the Caltech Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences in August 2011. His research focuses on eddies in the ocean which are important for mixing the ocean and transporting heat, chemicals, and biological elements. [Caltech Press Release]
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Andrew Thompson
03-30-11
Tapio Schneider, Frank J. Gilloon Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, and Dr. Yohai Kaspi have found a mechanism that helps explain why average winter temperatures in northern Europe are at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than similar latitudes on the northeastern coast of the United States. Using computer simulations of the atmosphere, they have found that the warm water off an eastern coast will heat the air above it and lead to the formation of atmospheric waves, drawing cold air from the northern polar region. The cold air forms a plume just to the west of the warm water. In the case of the Atlantic Ocean, this means the frigid air ends up right over the northeastern United States. [Caltech Press Release]
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Tapio Schneider
09-15-10
The Terrestrial Hazard Observation and Reporting Center (THOR) has been launched in an effort to find ways to minimize the damage caused by natural hazards. THOR will span two academic divisions at Caltech, Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) and Geological and Planetary Sciences. "The interdisciplinary and interactive nature of engineering at Caltech allows us to translate scientific knowledge and discovery into applications with direct societal impact," says Ares Rosakis, Theodore von Karman Professor of Aeronautics and Professor of Mechanical Engineering; EAS Chair. "One of the areas of pioneering research and innovation made possible by THOR is seismo-engineering. The boundaries of seismo-engineering are fuzzy ones and lie exactly in the interface between seismology and earthquake engineering. We are delighted to have the opportunity to explore these boundaries." [Caltech Press Release]
