Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Atmospheric and Earth Science
Committee Chair
Udaysankar Nair
Committee Member
Michael Newchurch
Committee Member
Sundar Christopher
Research Advisor
Udaysankar Nair
Subject(s)
Urbanization--Environmental aspects, Hydrometeorology, Miami (Fla.)--Climate
Abstract
The sensitivity of cloud and precipitation formation is expected to be enhanced over urban areas due to persistent sea-breeze forcing. This study combines surface observations, satellite data, and numerical modeling to investigate the impacts of urbanization in the Miami Metropolitan Region (MMR) on surface meteorology, cloud formation, and precipitation. Satellite observations reveal urban expansion of approximately 348 km², along the western boundary of the MMR. These areas also exhibit statistically significant increases in land surface and air temperatures. Geostationary satellite data show enhanced morning cloud formation over the MMR, while increasing rainfall and interannual variability in cloudiness are observed along the western boundary. Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulations indicate growth increased sensible heat fluxes close to 100 Wm⁻² and altered convection, resulting in enhanced rainfall along the western boundary of the MMR. These findings suggest that urbanization is contributing to localized warming and modifying cloud and precipitation patterns.
Recommended Citation
Serre, Aaron A., "Urban effects on cloud formation, boundary layer circulation, and rainfall over Miami" (2026). Theses. 852.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/852