Currently, I am working on improving the turbulence modeling of large-eddy simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer (the part of the atmosphere in which we live and breathe). Large-eddy simulation (LES), a numerical tool developed by atmospheric scientists, is used to describe the development and movement of thunderstorms, mountain winds, plumes of polluted air, and other atmospheric disturbances. As the name describes, LES accurately simulates the large eddies, or swirls and whirls, in the flow while modeling the effects of the smaller motions. These smaller swirls and whirls are collectively called turbulence. My research focuses on appropriately modeling atmospheric turbulence. I have implemented a generalized linear algebraic subgrid-scale stress (GLASS) model in the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS).

As faster computers are manufactured, LES is being more widely used and the demand for the development of more accurate turbulence models increases. This research impacts a multitude of disciplines: meteorology, climate, computational fluid dynamics, wind energy production, atmospheric dispersion of pollutants, forest fire propagation, wind erosion, etc.

Education

Ph.D. in Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology, Stanford University, expected 2013
M.S. in Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology, Stanford University, 2006
B.S. with honors in Environmental Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 2005

Contact Information

RicaE "at" stanford "dot" edu
T: (650) 721-2730
F: (650) 725-9720

Rica Mae Enriquez
Environmental Fluid Mechanics & Hydrology Program
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Stanford University
The Jerry Yang & Akiko Yamazaki Environment & Energy Building
473 Via Ortega, Room 398, MC 4020
Stanford, CA 94305

Curriculum Vitae PDF