Dr. Rohith Muraleedharan Thundathil
Building
A 17,
Room
20.01 (Büro)
Telegrafenberg
14473
Potsdam
Function and Responsibilities:
- Research Assistant - Technische Universität Berlin - DFG Project EGMAP.
- Assimilation of GNSS observations into Numerical Weather Models (i.e., Weather Research and Forecasting model) at GFZ.
Research Interests:
- Assimilation of ground based remote-sensing data into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model focusing on short-range weather forecast applications.
- Observation forward operators
- Probabilistic ensemble-based data assimilation systems.
- Severe weather events such as Heavy precipitation events and Tropical Cyclones.
Career:
I am currently working on assimilating GNSS data into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to improve the forecast of severe weather events. In my doctoral thesis research, I worked on assimilating Thermodynamic Lidar data into the WRF model at the convective scale. I developed a forward operator, the Thermodynamic Lidar operator, which can directly assimilate lidar water vapor mixing ratio and temperature data into the WRF model. This operator was incorporated into data assimilation (DA) systems such as the three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) and Hybrid 3DVAR-Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (ETKF) DA systems.
My academic journey before my PhD began with earning a first-class Bachelor's degree with distinction in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Mahatma Gandhi University, India. During my Bachelor's program, I developed a solid foundation in mathematics. In my final year of my Bachelor's, I focused on radars and remote-sensing courses. I developed a strong interest in atmospheric sciences. I completed my Master's in Earth System Sciences at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology. For my thesis, I researched the combination of the Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter and the conventional three-dimensional variational DA system, known as the Hybrid 3DVAR-ETKF DA, in the Weather Research and Forecasting model. I applied this system to track the forecast and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.
Education:
- 2017 - 2022 Doctor of Philosophy - Convective-Scale Data Assimilation of Thermodynamic Lidar Data into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model
- 2014 - 2016 Master of Technology - Earth System Sciences
- 2009 – 2013 Bachelor of Technology - Electronics and Communication Engineering