Tom Matthews Matthews

Lecturer in Climate Science, Loughborough University
I am an applied climatologist with interests in (no particular order): 1) glacier-climate interactions; 2) extratropical cyclones and 3) climate change.

Under 1) I am specifically interested in the relationship between synoptic-scale atmospheric variability and glacier mass balance. To date, my research in this area has focussed on developing parsimonious melt models. Such techniques are important for addressing the challenge of projecting future glacier mass balances in a changed climate (where we have to rely on spatially/temporally coarse climate data from climate models). They also facilitate the reconstruction of historic glacier melt rates from "reanalysis data" - an application which I am actively engaged in. Under this theme, I welcome (self-funded) PhD applicants to work on projecting global glacier mass balance for specified warming scenarios; details of this project can be obtained upon request.

For theme 2) I am particularly interested in the North Atlantic storm track - especially what happens at its "downstream" end - over the British-Irish Isles (BI). Under this branch of my research, colleagues and I recently developed a "cyclone-climatology" for the BI (1871-2012). Changes to the BI storm climate are projected (more frequent storms in winter; less frequent storms in summer), so this climatology serves as an important baseline for identifying and exploring emerging trends. Going forward, I am interested in improving the understanding of large-scale drivers of storm-track variability over the North Atlantic, and in better constraining historical cyclone intensity.

Under 3) I am working on improving public communication of climate change and extreme events. Under this theme I have specific interests in episodes of dangerously hot weather, and am keen to explore the role of communication in developing adaptive capacity.

I am happy to collaborate on any of the above themes: please get in touch if you would like to discuss.