Paul H. Ruscher

Bio: Paul H. Ruscher is an academic researcher from Florida State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Planetary boundary layer & Boundary layer. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 17 publications receiving 100 citations. Previous affiliations of Paul H. Ruscher include Oregon State University.

Hurricane forecasts using a suite of large-scale models

Abstract: This paper provides an account of the performance of a multimodel ensemble for real time forecasts of Atlantic tropical cyclones during 2004, 2005 and 2006. The Florida State University (FSU) superensemble is based on a suite of model forecasts and the interpolated official forecast that were received in real time at the National Hurricane Center. The FSU superensemble is a multimodel ensemble that utilizes forecasts from the member models by removing their individual biases based on a recent past history of their performances. This superensemble carries separate statistical weights for track and intensity forecasts for every 6 h of the member model forecasts. The real time results from 2004 show an improvement up to 15% for track forecasts and up to 11% for intensity forecasts for the superensemble compared to other models and consensus aids. During 2005, the superensemble intensity performance was best for most lead times. The consistency of the superensemble forecasts of track are also illustrated for several storms of 2004 season. The superensemble methodology produced impressive intensity forecasts for Rita and Wilma during 2005. The study shows the capability of the superensemble in predicting rapidly intensifying storms when most member models failed to capture their strengthening.

Team Knowledge Sharing Intervention Effects on Team Shared Mental Models and Student Performance in an Undergraduate Science Course

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a shared mental model (SMM) based intervention on student team mental model similarity and ultimately team performance in an undergraduate meteorology course. The team knowledge sharing (TKS) intervention was designed to promote team reflection, communication, and improvement planning. Results reveal that the TKS intervention was partially effective in enhancing student team SMM and team scores on meteorology lab assignments. The TKS intervention has potential for use in science courses where a teaming approach is used. Similar interventions could likely be developed, empirically examined, and potentially employed to promote success in handling complex challenges while working in teams in the classroom and beyond.

A numerical simulation of an atmospheric vortex street

Abstract: A mesoscale mixed-layer model of the planetary boundary layer is applied to the flow past a mountain island during a cold air outbreak over the Kuroshio Current. Utilizing data taken during AMTEX '75, the governing equations are integrated in time to simulate development of a Karman vortex street downstream of the island of Cheju-do. The use of open lateral boundary conditions and an encroachment scheme which allows some mountain grid points to experience occasional encroachment of mixed-layer fluid as the mixed-layer deepens (and decroachment as the mixed layer thins) is also discussed. Comparing various non-dimensional parameters on vortex-street characteristics, it is shown that the simulated vortex street resembles the observed atmospheric one rather well. Uncertainty in formulating the proper value of the eddy viscosity and the implication this has on Reynolds number comparisons are also discussed. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1982.tb01844.x

Coherent structures in the very stable atmospheric boundary layer

Abstract: This study examines the structure of horizontal modes (meandering, vortical modes or fossil turbulence) in a layer of intermittent turbulence occurring at the top of a strongly stratified nocturnal inversion layer as observed by fast response aircraft data. The spatial variation of the coefficients of the principal components identify regular coherent structures with mainly horizontal motions. Conditional sampling is formulated in terms of this spatial variation. The quasi-horizontal motions are characterized by relatively sharp edges (transition zones) where horizontal convergence or divergence, small-scale turbulence and vertical fluxes seem to be concentrated. Zones of horizontal divergence appear to be associated with ejection of cold air from the underlying surface inversion while the convergent zones might be due to random “collisions” between horizontal modes.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science

Abstract: The past half-century has witnessed a dramatic increase in the scale and complexity of scientific research. The growing scale of science has been accompanied by a shift toward collaborative research, referred to as “team science.“ Scientific research is increasingly conducted by small teams and larger groups rather than individual investigators, but the challenges of collaboration can slow these teams' progress in achieving their scientific goals. How does a team-based approach work, and how can universities and research institutions support teams? Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science synthesizes and integrates the available research to provide guidance on assembling the science team; leadership, education and professional development for science teams and groups. It also examines institutional and organizational structures and policies to support science teams and identifies areas where further research is needed to help science teams and groups achieve their scientific and translational goals. This report offers major public policy recommendations for science research agencies and policymakers, as well as recommendations for individual scientists, disciplinary associations, and research universities. Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science will be of interest to university research administrators, team science leaders, science faculty, and graduate and postdoctoral students.

Stratified Atmospheric Boundary Layers and Breakdown of Models

Abstract: The goal of this study is to assess complications in atmospheric stable boundary layers which are not included in numerical models of the stably stratified boundary layer and to provide a formulation of surface fluxes for use in numerical models. Based on an extensive interpretive literature survey and new eddy correlation data for the stable boundary layer, this study defines two prototype stable boundary layers: the weakly stable case and the very stable case. The weakly stable boundary layer is amenable to existing models. The very stable boundary layer eludes modeling attempts due to breakdown of existing formulations of turbulence and due to features found in the atmosphere which are not normally included in models. The latter includes clear-air radiative cooling, low-level jets, surface heterogeneity, gravity waves, meandering motions, and other mesoscale motions which propagate from outside the local domain. While these mechanisms are not essential to understanding idealized or laboratory versions of the stable boundary layer, they complicate comparisons of numerical models and theories with actual atmospheric boundary layers. Statistics which describe various features of the stable boundary layer are offered for future comparison with modeling results.

The Effectiveness of Teamwork Training on Teamwork Behaviors and Team Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Interventions

Abstract: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of teamwork interventions that were carried out with the purpose of improving teamwork and team performance, using controlled experimental designs. A literature search returned 16,849 unique articles. The meta-analysis was ultimately conducted on 51 articles, comprising 72 (k) unique interventions, 194 effect sizes, and 8439 participants, using a random effects model. Positive and significant medium-sized effects were found for teamwork interventions on both teamwork and team performance. Moderator analyses were also conducted, which generally revealed positive and significant effects with respect to several sample, intervention, and measurement characteristics. Implications for effective teamwork interventions as well as considerations for future research are discussed.

Efficient and Accurate Bulk Parameterizations of Air Sea Fluxes for Use in General Circulation Models

Abstract: Efficient and computationally inexpensive simple bulk formulas that include the effects of dynamic stability are developed to provide wind stress, and latent and sensible heat fluxes at the air–sea interface in general circulation models (GCMs). In these formulas the exchange coefficients for momentum and heat (i.e., wind stress drag coefficient, and latent and sensible heat flux coefficients, respectively) have a simple polynomial dependence on wind speed and a linear dependence on the air–sea temperature difference that are derived from a statistical analysis of global monthly climatologies according to wind speed and air–sea temperature difference intervals. Using surface meteorological observations from a central Arabian Sea mooring, these formulas are shown to yield air–sea fluxes on daily timescales that are highly accurate relative to those obtained with the standard algorithm used by the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE), where the ...