Research

• Physical oceanography
• Atmospheric dynamics
• Air-sea interactions
• Tropical cyclones
• Numerical environmental modeling
• Science communication

Dr. Ginis studies the coupled ocean-atmosphere system, ranging from small to large space and time scales combining observations, theory and numerical modeling. His primary research areas include tropical cyclone-ocean interactions, surfaces waves in high wind conditions and their effects on air-sea fluxes and the hurricane boundary layer dynamics. His research efforts have resulted in pioneering advances in modeling of the tropical cyclone-ocean interactions that have led to significant improvements in the hurricane intensity forecast skills.

Dr. Ginis’s research group has contributed to the development of the GFDL and HWRF hurricane models used by the U.S. National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warming Center for operational forecasting of tropical cyclones in all ocean basins. His current research projects focus on advancing the physics in the U.S. Navy’s operational COAMPS-TC prediction system, surface wave impacts on upper ocean response to tropical cyclones, and advancing modeling capabilities to better understand the consequences of coastal and inland hazards associated with extreme hurricanes and to better prepare coastal communities for future risks.

Dr. Ginis is one of the lead developers and science advisors of the educational, multi-disciplinary website and iBook, Hurricanes: Science and Society, which have become classroom tools for science educators nationwide.