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Comparing Reflectivity from Space-Based and Ground-Based Radars During Detection of Rainbands in Two Tropical Cyclones

With varying tangential winds and combinations of stratiform and convective clouds, tropical cyclones (TCs) can be difficult to accurately portray when mosaicking data from ground-based radars. This study utilizes the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) from the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) satellite to evaluate reflectivity obtained using four sampling methods of Weather Surveillance Radar 1988-Doppler […]

Hurricane Milton Updates

Last update: 10/18/2024 Climate change almost certainly made Hurricane Milton deluge worse explains Dr. David Keellings in this interview with the Miami Herald. Professor Corene Matyas was interviewed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s News Breakfast and by ABC Radio News in Australia about Hurricane Milton on 10/8/2024.   Dr. Matyas was on the CBC Radio […]

Classification of tropical cyclone rain patterns using convolutional autoencoder

Kim, D., & Matyas, C. J. (2024). Classification of tropical cyclone rain patterns using convolutional autoencoder. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 791. ABSTRACT: Heavy rainfall produced by tropical cyclones (TCs) frequently causes wide-spread damage. TCs have different patterns of rain depending on their development stage, geographical location, and surrounding environmental conditions. However, an objective system for classifying […]

B.S. in Meteorology Starting in Fall 2024

The Department of Geography is excited to announce the Bachelor of Science program in Meteorology has been fully approved, and will officially begin in Fall 2024. Our program provides broader geographic training and aims to build skills that crosscut from meteorology to applied climate science, geospatial analysis, hydrology, business, economics, communications, and Al as required […]

Evaluation of Experimental High-Resolution Model Forecasts of Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Using Object-Based Metrics

MATYAS – Evaluation of Experimental High-Resolution Model Forecasts of Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Using Object-Based Metrics Shakira D. Stackhouse, Stephanie E. Zick, Corene J. Matyas, Kimberly M. Wood, Andrew T. Hazelton, and Ghassan J. Alaka Jr. Article first published online: 1 October 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1175/WAF-D-22-0223.1 ABSTRACT: Tropical cyclone (TC) precipitation poses serious hazards including freshwater flooding. […]

Fall Course: MET4532 MET6530 Hurricanes

MET4532 MET6530 Hurricanes Instructor: Dr. Corene Matyas matyas@ufl.edu Learn about Hurricane Andrew and 20 other famous tropical cyclones! Prerequisites: GEO3250 or MET3503 (email me if you are graduating and I’ll consider an over-ride) Turlington 3006 MW Per. 4-5, W Per. 4 Participate In: Forecasting Labs Maps Discussions Presentation on Famous Storm Data Analysis Project for […]

Spatial Variations in Tropical Cyclone Rainfall over the Western North Pacific According to ENSO Phase

KIM, MATYAS – Spatial Variations in Tropical Cyclone Rainfall over the Western North Pacific According to ENSO Phase Dasol Kim, Doo-Sun Park, Corene Matyas Article first published online: 16 February 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-22-0231.1 ABSTRACT: This study investigated spatial variations in rainfall accompanying tropical cyclones (TCs) over the western North Pacific (WNP) from June to October […]

Geography Colloquium: Reflectivity as Detected by Space- and Ground-Based Radars Detecting Tropical Cyclones

Speaker: Dr. Corene Matyas Professor Department of Geography University of Florida Thursday, January 26, 2023 3:00-3:50 PM (Period 8) Recorded for YouTube Turlington Hall 3018 and Zoom University of Florida Abstract: The different scanning strategies and atmospheric profiles through which energy beams pass from space-based as compared to ground-based radars can produce different reflectivity values in […]

Segmenting Tourists’ Information Behavior in the Event of a Crisis

MATYAS –Segmenting Tourists’ Information Behavior in the Event of a Crisis Ignatius Cahyanto, Lori Pennington-Gray, Brijesh Thapa, Jorge Villegas, Corene Matyas Article first published online: 3 October 2022 Link: ScholarWorks @ UMass Amherst ABSTRACT: The study examined tourists’ information behavior in the event of a crisis using the Consumer Information Acquisition and Processing Model as a guideline. The data […]

Tropical cyclones in the northern Mozambique Channel: composite intra-seasonal forcing and 2019 event

MATYAS – Tropical cyclones in the northern Mozambique Channel: composite intra-seasonal forcing and 2019 event Mark R. Jury & Corene J. Matyas Article first published online: 12 July 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-022-00911-8 ABSTRACT: Tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the northern Mozambique Channel (nMC) during the satellite era is studied, culminating with the anomalous 2019 season. We identify […]

Illustration of an Object-Based Approach to Identify Structural Differences in Tropical Cyclone Wind Fields

MATYAS – Illustration of an Object-Based Approach to Identify Structural Differences in Tropical Cyclone Wind Fields Stephanie Zick, Corene Matyas, Gary Lackmann, Jingyin Tang, Brian Bennett Article first published online: 29 May 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.4326 ABSTRACT: The meteorology community primarily assesses tropical cyclone (TC) forecast skill using track and intensity errors. These metrics are frequently uncorrelated […]

Focus Area 7: Geospatial Analysis & Techniques

Modeling, Measurement, Visualization and Computation: techniques for the collection, analysis, interpretation and display of geospatial data, using tools such as GeoAI, GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, and Spatial Statistics. Sub Areas GEOAI: Geographic Artificial Intelligence Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Spatio-Temporal analysis Geospatial Modeling Remote Sensing Courses GIS 2002 The Digital Earth GIS 2114 The World &amp […]

Geography Colloquium: Mentoring Diverse 2-Year College Students in Geoscience Research During GEOPATHS

Speaker: Dr. Corene Matyas Professor, Department of Geography, University of Florida Thursday, September 9, 2021 2:50-3:50 PM (Period 8) Turlington Hall 3018 and Zoom, livestreamed on YouTube University of Florida All are welcome to attend. Biography: Dr. Corene Matyas is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Florida. She received her […]

Focus Area 5: Catastrophes, Conservation, and Conflict

Disastrous natural hazards, both fast and slow, and violent conflicts affect many people worldwide, often impacting already fragile environments and conservation areas. These crises have significant political, economic, and social implications that can reverse development gains, further entrench poverty and inequality, thereby increasing the risk for future crises. Sub-areas Outbreaks Extreme Events Natural Hazards Protected Areas Wildlife Economy Natural Resources Social Vulnerability Humanitarian […]

Focus Area 3: Places, Networks, & Flows

Geographers conceive of networks and flows between places as a foundational spatial concept. Geographic information systems (GIS) are the main analytical tools employed in determining relations between individuals, settlements, modes of transport, and infrastructures like power grids, and communication networks. The concepts can also be applied to disease contagion, healthcare service delivery, crime activities, river […]

Focus Area 1: Earth System Science

This is the science of the atmosphere, land, biota, and water from a geospatial perspective. By combining contemporary issues such as climate change, environmental extremes, and hazards, this focus area emphasizes the integrative nature of physical and environmental geography.  Earth systems scientists use biophysical understanding to identify and solve problems for management and policy. Sub-areas […]

Celebrating Women Geographers for Women’s History Month

Geography is a diverse field. Throughout the month of March, we will be highlighting the work of Women Geographers, some of whom are #GeoGators. Tierney Shimansky Tierney is a Master’s student who studies land management and conservation in southern Africa. Dr. Yin-Hsuen Chen Yin-Hsuen is a fluvial geomorphologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of […]

GEO3250/GEO6255 Climatology

GEO 3250/6255 Climatology (online) (Undergraduate Prerequisite: GEO2242 or MET1010) Understand the global energy balance Analyze data for past/future climates and extreme events Create a video about a climate-related topic Qualifies for Certificates in Meteorology and Climatology and Applied Atmospheric Science Good prep for MET 4532/6530 Hurricanes (live) and/or MET4560/6565 Atmospheric Teleconnections (online) Instructor: Dr. Corene […]

MET4750 MET6752 Spatial Analysis Atmospheric Data GIS

  No textbook No exams Fall 2020 100% online, asynchronous Course Organization Lab exercises Skills quizzes Presentations Final project *Counts for Certificates in Applied Atmospheric Science and Meteorology and Climatology* Instructor: Dr. Corene Matyas matyas@ufl.edu Emphasis on using GIS for spatial data analysis Basic terminology for atmospheric science Global and regional reanalysis datasets Doppler radar […]

MET4532-MET6530 Hurricanes

MET4532-MET6530 Hurricanes Instructor: Dr. Corene Matyas matyas@ufl.edu Learn about Hurricane Andrew and 20 other famous tropical cyclones! Prerequisites: GEO3250 or MET3503 (email me if you are graduating and I’ll consider an over-ride) Turlington 3006 M Per. 4-5, W Per. 5 If moved online, will meet synchronously Course Components: Forecasting Labs Maps Discussions and Updates from […]

GeoGator Class of 2020 Commencement

The Department of Geography Commencement for the GeoGator Class of 2020 was held online for the very first time on the 2nd of May, 2020. Watch the whole ceremony here! https://youtu.be/Z5_jfndqzrg Excerpts Dr. Jane Southworth addresses GeoGator Class of 2020 Dunkle Award Winner Sara Shir addresses GeoGator Class of 2020 Dr. Jason Blackburn addresses GeoGator Class […]

Dr. Matyas Receives Teaching Award from SEDAAG

Dr. Corene Matyas received the award for Excellence in Teaching at the 2019 annual meeting of the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers. This award acknowledges sustained excellence and creativity in the college classroom. Winners meet the following criteria: (1) Exceptional commitment to effective geography teaching; (2) Record of efforts to help diffuse […]

GeoGators give two public talks today!

Compound Flood Risk in a Changing Climate Water, Wetlands, and Watersheds Seminar at the UF Howard T. Odum Center for Wetlands Dr. Katy Serafin will talk about compound drivers of flooding along both open coasts and coastal rivers in a changing climate. 11:45am, Phelps 101, UF campus Can’t make it? Watch the video! https://cfw.essie.ufl.edu/seminars/ Is […]

Hurricane Dorian Continues on Its Path

Hurricane Dorian is moving up the coast and passing Florida, but there’s still a healthy amount of moisture being pulled into the storm. UF tropical storm expert Dr. Corene Matyas checked in with cheddar.com with the latest update on Hurricane Dorian, its impacts in Florida and projected conditions along the U.S. East Coast this afternoon. […]

Don’t Nuke a Hurricane

As the 2019 hurricane season begins, many people have lots of questions. One long-standing questions ‘Can we nuke a hurricane to stop it?‘ recently came up in policy making circles. In a recent interview in USA Today, Dr. Corene Matyas explains why it would be a bad idea to nuke a hurricane: Hurricanes produce so […]

Dr. Matyas Talks Hurricanes and Superstorms With the Streaming Science Podcast

Dr. Corene Matyas was featured on the latest Streaming Science Podcast as part of their Science of Superstorms series. In this episode of the Science of Superstorms, University of Florida Agriculture Education and Communication graduate Savanna Ogburn visits Dr. Corene Matyas, an associate professor in the UF Geography department, who studies tropical cyclone precipitation. Check […]

Dr. Matyas utilizes SEC Faculty Award to mentor women in STEM

  Dr. Corene Matyas received a 2018-2019 Faculty Award from the Southeastern Conference to visit two SEC universities. In October 2018, she visited Mississippi State University where she was hosted by Dr. Kimberly Wood, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences. In March, 2019, she visited the University of Tennessee and was hosted by […]

“This is a much stronger storm than they’ve had in recorded history.” – Dr. Matyas speaks with the BBC about Tropical Cyclone Idai and Tropical Cyclone Kenneth

UF’s Dr. Corene Matyas recently spoke with the BBC about Tropical Cyclone Idai and Tropical Cyclone Kenneth: “This is a much stronger storm than they’ve had in recorded history.” Listen to the whole interview.

Cyclone Idai: ‘My family needs to eat, I don’t know how we will survive’

UF Geography Associate Professor and Meteorologist Dr. Corene Matyas was recently interviewed by The Guardian about the impact of Tropical Cyclone Idai on Mozambique: Corene Matyas, an associate professor at the University of Florida with expertise in the patterns of cyclonic rainfall, says this is possible but cautions that a complex computer simulation model would […]

Another cyclone threatens Mozambique

Dr. Corene Matyas is quoted in an article in Forbes Magazine written by Dr. Marshall Shepherd at the University of Georgia. The article talks about the potential impacts of Cyclone Kenneth, forecast to affect Mozambique after Cyclone Idai hit the middle of the country hard in March. Dr. Matyas authored a 2015 paper in the […]

Sarah VanSchoick becomes a McNair Scholar

GeoGator Undergrad Ms. Sarah VanSchoick recently became a McNair Scholar. The University of Florida McNair Scholars Program, named in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, supports undergraduate college students from low-income, first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds who intend to pursue graduate studies. During the summer, students participate in an intensive research program and attend weekly workshops […]

Met4532 – Met6530 Hurricanes Fall 2019

Met4532 – Met6530 Hurricanes Fall 2019 Instructor: Dr. Corene Matyas matyas@ufl.edu Learn about Hurricane Andrew and 20 other famous tropical cyclones! Prerequisites: GEO3250 or MET3503 (email me if you are graduating and I’ll consider an over-ride) Taught in a computer lab for hands-on learning TUR3006   M4-5, W5 Participate In: Forecasting Labs  Maps Discussions Presentation on […]

Why Cyclone Idai was so destructive

Tropical Cyclone Idai recently formed and moved over the Mozambique Channel before making landfall over Mozambique and causing devastation to coastal areas. To help understand the cyclone’s path, National Geographic reached out to UF’s Dr. Corene Matyas. Here’s what she had to say: Mozambique averages about 1.5 tropical cyclones a year and, although rarely more […]

Tropical Cyclone Idai Aims at Mozambique

The March12th NASA Earth Observatory Image of the Day was a Terra-MODIS image of Tropical Cyclone Idai, preparing to make landfall on Mozamique. For help interpreting the image, NASA asked UF Geography Professor Dr. Corene Matyas to explain what was in the image: “Several cyclones in the past have started over Mozambique and then moved […]

Dr. Matyas receives CLAS Teaching Award

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Teaching/Advising Awards Committee has recognized Dr. Corene Matyas with a 2018-2019 College Teaching Award. She will receive this award at a reception organized by the Office of the President to be held at the University House later this semester. The Committee has also designated Dr. Matyas as the […]

Dr. Matyas gives insight on how to stay safe this 2018 hurricane season

Dr. Corene Matyas was recently interviewed about the 2018 Hurricane Season by the St. Augustine Record. “No one knows for sure what the season will bring, but Corene J. Matyas, an associate professor and climatologist with the University of Florida’s department of geography, said most predictions she has seen are not calling for particularly quiet […]

A Nowcasting Model for Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Regions Based on the TREC Motion Vector Retrieval with a Semi-Lagrangian Scheme for Doppler Weather Radar

TANG, MATYAS – A Nowcasting Model for Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Regions Based on the TREC Motion Vector Retrieval with a Semi-Lagrangian Scheme for Doppler Weather Radar Jingyin Tang and Corene Matyas Article first published online: 21 May 2018 Atmosphere DOI: 10.3390/atmos9050200 ABSTRACT: Accurate observational data and reliable prediction models are both essential to improve the […]

Using an Object-Based Approach to Quantify the Spatial Structure of Reflectivity Regions in Hurricane Isabel (2003). Part I: Comparisons between Radar Observations and Model Simulations

MATYAS, TANG,  ZICK – Using an Object-Based Approach to Quantify the Spatial Structure of Reflectivity Regions in Hurricane Isabel (2003). Part I: Comparisons between Radar Observations and Model Simulations Corene J. Matyas, Stephanie E. Zick, Jingyin Tang Article first published online: 25 APR 2018 Monthly Weather Review DOI: 10.1175/MWR-D-17-0077.1 ABSTRACT: When a hurricane undergoes extratropical transition […]

UFGeog at AAG 2018

The UF Geography Department is sending a large contingent to New Orleans for the 2018 meeting of the American Association of Geographers Find out where you can see a GeoGator present their research below: Anthropogenic change to fluvial systems, I Geomorphology Specialty Group, Paleoenvironmental Change Specialty Group, Water Resources Specialty Group 4/10/2018 8:20 AM Balcony […]

Extreme floods and their relationship with tropical cyclones in Puerto Rico

HERNANDEZ AYALA, KEELLINGS, WAYLEN, MATYAS – Extreme floods and their relationship with tropical cyclones in Puerto Rico José J. Hernández Ayala, David Keellings, Peter R. Waylen & Corene J. Matyas Article first published online: 12 SEPT 2017 Hydrological Sciences Journal DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2017.1368521 ABSTRACT: An extreme value analysis (EVA) point process approach has been implemented to […]

Hurricane Matthew’s Near Miss of Florida May Result in More Widespread Damage Than Direct Hit

Hurricane Matthew’s near miss of Florida may result in more widespread damage than a direct hit – according to UF’s Dr. Corene Matyas – who was quoted in an October 7th Tampa Bay Times article. Dr. Matyas’ National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research focuses on rainfall from tropical cyclones. From the Tampa Bay Times: “But Florida’s near miss may […]

Congratulations to Dr. Hernández Ayala, Dr. Morris, and Dr. Zick!

We are proud to announce our latest PhD graduates – Dr. José Javier Hernández Ayala, Dr. Lillian Morris, and Dr. Stephanie Zick! Dr. Zick will join the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech as an Assistant Professor of Geographic Meteorology. She looks forward to diversifying the program with her tropical meteorology and numerical weather prediction expertise. Dr, Morris […]

Using shape metrics to compare observed and simulated reflectivity during the landfall of Hurricane Isabel (2003)

MATYAS, TANG, ZICK – Using shape metrics to compare observed and simulated reflectivity during the landfall of Hurricane Isabel (2003) Corene J. Matyas, Stephanie Zick, and Jingyin Tang Conference paper presented: April 2016 at the American Meteorological Society‘s 32nd Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology ABSTRACT: Measuring changes in the spatial attributes of precipitating regions within tropical cyclones […]

Fast Playback Framework for Analysis of Ground-Based Doppler Radar Observations Using MapReduce Technology

MATYAS, TANG – Fast Playback Framework for Analysis of Ground-Based Doppler Radar Observations Using MapReduce Technology Jingyin Tang and Corene J. Matyas Article first published online: 29 MAR 2016 Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology DOI: 10.1175/JTECH-D-15-0118.1 ABSTRACT: The creation of a 3D mosaic is often the first step when using the high-spatial- and temporal-resolution data […]

Comparing the spatial extent of Atlantic basin tropical cyclone wind and rain fields prior to land interaction

GUO, MATYAS – Comparing the spatial extent of Atlantic basin tropical cyclone wind and rain fields prior to land interaction Qiao Guo & Corene J. Matyas Article first published online: 16 FEB 2016 Physical Geography DOI: 10.1080/02723646.2016.1142929 ABSTRACT: Understanding changes in the size of tropical cyclone (TC) wind and rain fields before landfall can improve identification of […]

A Spatial Analysis of Hurricane Katrina’s Outer Rainbands prior to Landfall in Louisiana

COMSTOCK, MATYAS, TANG, ZICK – A Spatial Analysis of Hurricane Katrina’s Outer Rainbands prior to Landfall in Louisiana Corene J. Matyas, J. Tang, I. J. Comstock, and S. E. Zick Conference paper presented: 12 JAN 2016 at the American Meteorological Society‘s 96th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1680.7447 ABSTRACT: The rain and wind fields of tropical […]

Evolving Geometries in the Moisture Budgets and Precipitation Structures of US Gulf Coast Landfalling Hurricanes

MATYAS, ZICK – Evolving Geometries in the Moisture Budgets and Precipitation Structures of US Gulf Coast Landfalling Hurricanes Stephanie E. Zick and C. J. Matyas Conference paper presented: 12 JAN 2016 at the American Meteorological Society‘s 96th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting. ABSTRACT: According to a 2014 publication by former National Hurricane Center director Dr. Edward Rappaport, […]

Zick and Matyas Present at AMS Radar Conference

Ph.D. Candidate Stephanie Zick and Dr. Matyas recently presented research at the American Meteorological Society’s 37th Conference on Radar Meteorology in Norman, Oklahoma. Zick presented results from her recently-published paper “Tropical cyclones in the North American Regional Reanalysis: The impact of satellite-derived precipitation over ocean” appearing in the Journal of Geophysical Research – Atmospheres (doi:10.1002/2015JD023722). […]

Tropical cyclone rainfall over Puerto Rico and its relations to environmental and storm-specific factors

HERNANDEZ AYALA, MATYAS – Tropical cyclone rainfall over Puerto Rico and its relations to environmental and storm-specific factors José J. Hernández Ayala and Corene J. Matyas Article first published online: 17 Sep 2015 International Journal of Climatology DOI: 10.1002/joc.4490 ABSTRACT:  Although tropical cyclone rainfall (TCR) is common over Puerto Rico, the factors that cause this rain to vary […]

Performing spatial analysis on tropical cyclone rainband structures after creating a 3D Mosaic of WSR-88D reflectivity data using a map-reduce framework and a Geographic Information System (GIS)

MATYAS, TANG, ZICK – Performing spatial analysis on tropical cyclone rainband structures after creating a 3D Mosaic of WSR-88D reflectivity data using a map-reduce framework and a Geographic Information System (GIS) Corene J. Matyas, J. Tang and S. E. Zick Conference Paper presented at AMS Radar 2015 on 16 SEPT 2015 ABSTRACT: The high spatial and temporal […]

Tropical cyclones in the North American Regional Reanalysis: The impact of satellite-derived precipitation over ocean

ZICK, MATYAS – Tropical cyclones in the North American Regional Reanalysis: The impact of satellite-derived precipitation over ocean Stephanie E. Zick, Corene J. Matyas Article first published online: 5 September 2015 Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres DOI: 10.1002/2015JD023722 ABSTRACT: Continued advancement in the realm of tropical cyclone (TC) forecasting requires a more accurate depiction of these storms at model […]

Regional Inequality and Polarization in the Context of Concurrent Extreme Weather and Economic Shocks

MATYAS – Regional Inequality and Polarization in the Context of Concurrent Extreme Weather and Economic Shocks Julie A. Silva, Corene J. Matyas and Benedito Cunguara Article first published online: 1 Jan 2015 Applied Geography DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.01.015 ABSTRACT: This study examines how extreme weather influences regional inequality and polarization within Mozambique in the context of on-going economic shocks. […]

Dr. Matyas named Colonel Allan R. & Margaret G. Crow Term Professor

Cori Matyas has been named the Colonel Allan R. and Margaret G. Crow Term Professor for the academic year 2014-2015. This is a signal honor for our superb faculty members. As the introduction on the CLAS web site states: “Since 1995, CLAS Term Professorships have been awarded to outstanding faculty who excel in both scholarship […]

Tropical cyclone formation and motion in the Mozambique Channel

MATYAS – Tropical cyclone formation and motion in the Mozambique Channel Corene J. Matyas Article first published online: 7 Apr 2014 International Journal of Climatology DOI: 10.1002/joc.3985 ABSTRACT: Although tropical cyclones (TCs) forming in the Mozambique Channel are relatively close to land and have affected vulnerable populations, few studies specifically examine these storms. This study analysed […]