Professor Andy Sturman
Position
Professor in Physical Geography (specializing in climatology and meteorology)
Qualifications
B.Sc.(Hons), Ph.D.(Birm.)
Contact Details
Room:505
Phone: +64 3 364 2502
Fax: +64 3 364 2907
andrew.sturman@canterbury.ac.nz
Postal address:
Department of Geography
University
of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand
Awards
Edward Kidson Research Medal of the Meteorological Society of New Zealand, 2003
Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, 2004
Named Profile Researcher for the Focus on Research Excellence project of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 2008
Research
My research interests are in atmospheric processes and phenomena of a range of spatial and temporal scales, particularly synoptic and sub-synoptic scale meteorology and climatology. A key research focus is investigation of the effects of the Earth’s surface on the atmosphere near the ground and applications to human activity. Specific recent topics include application of a wide range of analytical and modelling tools to:
- environmental controls of air pollution (including wind-blown dust)
- wind energy resource assessment and wind farm siting
- climatic effects on the development and operation of the viticulture industry
- surface energy exchanges over semi-desert and coral reef environments of Australia
Author of seminal text ‘The Weather and Climate of Australia and New Zealand’ (Sturman and Tapper 2006), and involved in the following research projects:
- Air Pollution Meteorology
- Climate and Viticulture
- Local and Regional Wind Systems
- Atmospheric Research into Wind Energy
Teaching
- GEOG 106: Global Environmental Change
- GEOG 310: Weather Systems and Forecasting Techniques
- GEOG 410: Atmospheric Environments
Professional activities
I have served on the Earth Science and Astronomy Panel of the Marsden Fund, and as an editor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics and guest editor for the International Journal of Environment and Pollution. I have more than thirty years consultancy experience in relation to air pollution problems, wind energy resource assessment, vineyard development and operation, and forensic analysis of severe weather events for the insurance industry. I have also represented the New Zealand science community in a major review of New Zealand research in the atmosphere and climate for the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, and chaired a Science Area Review of Research (in New Zealand) on Greenhouse Gases for the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. I have authored approximately 50 technical reports for clients since 2000.
Recent Publications
Please see Andy's UC Research Profile for a full list of publications