Dr Tra Dinh

Research | Current

My research is in atmospheric science. I study atmospheric processes that span a multitude of spatial and temporal scales, from the microphysics of clouds, the dynamics of atmospheric gravity waves, to the global circulation, energy and moisture budgets. I use theory and numerical tools, in combination with observations, to study how the multi-scale interactions of atmospheric processes underline the basic structure of the atmosphere and how these interactions will contribute to future climate change.

I have been involved extensively in the implementation and development of both Cloud-Resolving Models (CRMs) and General Circulation Models (GCMs). These numerical models are used to study the physics of the atmosphere, as well as for weather forecasts and climate predictions.

Teaching | Current

We have a strong and diverse geophysics program at the University of Auckland. The following courses are offered towards a geophysics degree (* indicates the courses I am teaching):

1. PHYSICS 120*, EARTHSCI 103
2. PHYSICS 201*, GEOPHYSICS 213*
3. GEOPHYSICS 310, 311*, 361, PHYSICS 332
4. GEOPHYSICS 711, 712*, 713, 761, 762

Postgraduate supervision

I am currently supervising or co-supervising two Honours students, one Masters student, and two PhD students. My students and I are working on a variety of research topics, including:

• Antarctic sea ice variability
• Climate change over New Zealand
• Influences of atmospheric rivers on New Zealand rainfall
• Clouds over the Southern Ocean
• Clouds in Earth's changing climate - Observations and modelling
• Cirrus clouds and water vapour in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere

Distinctions/Honours

• Expert Advisory Board of the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment, New Zealand, from 2017

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate and Global Change Postdoctoral Fellowship, USA, 2012–2014

Areas of expertise

• Cloud microphysics
• Climate dynamics
• Atmospheric radiation and hydrological cycle
• Numerical methods and modelling for geophysics