Dr. Peterson is a senior research scientist in the Severe Storms Research Center (SSRC) who investigates impactful thunderstorms and the hazards they pose with the ultimate goal of improving the detection, tracking, and prediction of severe weather.

One focus area is in remotely measuring lightning phenomena using optical and radio frequency techniques. Lightning rates, physical flash structure, and attributes of their electromagnetic signals all ultimately stem from the dynamics and microphysics of the thunderstorm. By accurately measuring lightning, we can monitor the intensity and severe weather potential of storms impacting Georgia.

Other research areas include radar meteorology, space-based remote sensing, high-resolution regional-scale Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), and geoinformatics.

Michael.Peterson@gtri.gatech.edu

404-407-6781