Zhiquan Liu

About

Zhiquan Liu is a leading figure in atmospheric and aerosol research, specializing in the development and application of advanced data assimilation systems. His core work focuses on integrating satellite observations into numerical weather prediction models to improve our understanding of aerosol impacts on weather and climate. Liu’s most influential contribution is the implementation of a three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) assimilation of MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD) within the NCEP Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation system, a foundational study with 288 citations that has enabled more accurate representation of aerosol distributions, particularly for dust storms over East Asia. He further advanced this field by coupling his AOD data assimilation system with the WRF-Chem model to investigate dust radiative effects. His research has demonstrated how assimilated dust aerosols alter atmospheric thermodynamics, influencing temperature profiles and even tropical cyclogenesis over the Atlantic Ocean. By bridging the gap between satellite remote sensing and atmospheric modeling, Liu has provided critical tools for improving air quality forecasts and understanding aerosol–weather interactions, marking him as a key innovator in environmental prediction science.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Three-dimensional variational assimilation of MODIS aerosol optical depth: Implementation and application to a dust storm over East Asia

   288 citations · 2011
2. 2
   Dust radiative effects on atmospheric thermodynamics and tropical cyclogenesis over the Atlantic Ocean using WRF-Chem coupled with an AOD data assimilation system

   33 citations · 2017
3. 3
   Dust Radiative Effects on Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Tropical Cyclogenesis over the Atlantic Ocean Using WRF/Chem Coupled with an AOD Data Assimilation System

   2 citations · 2016

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links