Alek Petty is an Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland; specializing in polar sea ice variability.
Alek graduated with an M.Sci in Physics from the University of Bristol in 2010, and a PhD in Climate Science from University College London in 2014. His PhD research involved modeling the sea ice and ocean surrounding Antarctica. His postdoctoral studies extended this research approach to include the remote sensing of Arctic and Southern Ocean sea ice across scales. Alek's research approach now involves utilizing a combination of polar remote sensing data and models to improve our understanding of the polar regions and the wider climate system.
For the most up-to-date research accomplishments, please see his personal website: www.alekpetty.com.
Polar sea ice variability
Alek's research is focussed on improving our understanding of polar sea ice; the physics governing its (thermodynamic & dynamic) evolution, the factors contributing to its spatial and temporal variability, and its coupling with the atmosphere and ocean. His research approach involves sea ice and coupled climate models models (of varying complexity) and remote sensing data (airborne and satellite sensors). Recent research foci include:
- Remote sensing of sea ice (freeboard, thickness, concentration, roughness)
- Sea ice predictions (seasonal forecasts and long-term projections)
- Sea ice dynamics and momentum transfer
- Idealized and high-resolution sea ice modeling
- Snow on sea ice
- Extreme events in the polar regions
- Linkages between sea ice, ice sheets and global climate
Alek is a strong proponent of open science and strives to make this a continued focus of his research approach (e.g. github.com/akpetty).
7/2020
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Present
Associate Research Scientist
Earth Systems Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), University of Maryland,
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
7/2017
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6/2020
Assistant Research Scientist
Earth Systems Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), University of Maryland,
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
10/2015
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6/2017
Research Associate
Earth Systems Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), University of Maryland,
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
2/2014
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9/2015
Research Associate
Earth Systems Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), University of Maryland,,
NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP)
Ph.D. Climate Science, University College London, London, UK, 2010-2014 (Thesis: Sea ice and the ocean mixed layer over the Antarctic continental shelf, Supervisors: Daniel L. Feltham and Paul R. Holland)
M.Sci Physics, University of Bristol, 2006-2010.
Alek Petty is an Associate Research Scientist at the University of Maryland; specializing in polar sea ice variability.
Alek graduated with an M.Sci in Physics from the University of Bristol in 2010, and a PhD in Climate Science from University College London in 2014. His PhD research involved modeling the sea ice and ocean surrounding Antarctica. His postdoctoral studies extended this research approach to include the remote sensing of Arctic and Southern Ocean sea ice across scales. Alek's research approach now involves utilizing a combination of polar remote sensing data and models to improve our understanding of the polar regions and the wider climate system.
For the most up-to-date research accomplishments, please see his personal website: www.alekpetty.com.
