Past Projects (from PhD)
I used speleothems (calcium carbonate cave deposits) to study past climate changes in Southeast Asia. Geochemical climate signals are embedded within the calcite layers of speleothems as they form layer by layer over thousands of years from the cave drip water. I analyze the stable isotopes (Carbon and Oxygen) embedded in the calcite to determine past monsoon variability due to internal variability (climate coupled modes) and external forcings (solar and volcanic).
Variations in Southeast Asian Hydroclimate over the Last Two Millennia
Few high-resolution and precisely dated paleoclimate records exist from mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) that span the last 2,000 years. I am developing high-resolution and precisely dated stalagmite stable isotope records (of C and O) to evaluate past hydroclimate variability over MSEA. Our samples were collected from Tham Doun Mai Cave in northern Laos where we currently have active monitoring of the cave and karst environment. I compare these new records with regional tree-ring records and stalagmite records from the broader Asian monsoon region to better understand regional hydroclimate dynamics.
In addition, we use global climate model simulations to better understand the role external forcings (i.e., solar activity) have on precipitation variability over the last two millennia.
New Peer-reviewed Publication:
Wang, J.K., K.J. Johnson, A. Borsato, D.J. Amaya, G.L. Griffiths, G.M. Henderson, S. Frisia, A. Mason Hydroclimatic variability in Southeast Asia over the last millennia Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 525 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.115737
Please e-mail me for a PDF.
In addition, we use global climate model simulations to better understand the role external forcings (i.e., solar activity) have on precipitation variability over the last two millennia.
New Peer-reviewed Publication:
Wang, J.K., K.J. Johnson, A. Borsato, D.J. Amaya, G.L. Griffiths, G.M. Henderson, S. Frisia, A. Mason Hydroclimatic variability in Southeast Asia over the last millennia Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 525 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.115737
Please e-mail me for a PDF.
Inter-annual to Decadal Summer Precipitation Variability over Lao PDR
UC Irvine Data Science Initiative Fellows Summer Symposium (2015)
Lao PDR’s economy depends on the success of the entire agricultural sector, including farming, forestry, and fishing. The spatial and temporal variability of annual monsoonal rainfall thus directly impacts the socio-economic welfare of millions of people in Lao PDR. Since Lao PDR is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts (Yusuf and Francisco, 2009), it is crucial to better understand the internal climate mechanisms of monsoon precipitation variability over Lao PDR.
While a body of work has focused on inter-annual variability of precipitation over mainland Southeast Asia, past studies are limited by focusing on a specific Southeast Asian country or specific events. This study aims to better understand the modern precipitation variability across Lao PDR by focusing on the monsoon season (May-September) and the relationship of large-scale climate phenomena such as ENSO and the IOD on interannual variability.
While a body of work has focused on inter-annual variability of precipitation over mainland Southeast Asia, past studies are limited by focusing on a specific Southeast Asian country or specific events. This study aims to better understand the modern precipitation variability across Lao PDR by focusing on the monsoon season (May-September) and the relationship of large-scale climate phenomena such as ENSO and the IOD on interannual variability.
Past Research Projects
Changing out samples for microwave digestion of elemental metals at my REU
I worked with Dr. Mitch Lyle on the behavior of glacial and interglacial sediment accumulation at Cocos Ridge in Central America. In addition, I worked with Dr. Steven Quiring on the development of the North American Soil Moisture Database, the only consolidated source of soil moisture data for the entire continent of North America. I studied the spatial and temporal variabilities of soil moisture in Iowa using in situ soil moisture measurements. As an Undergraduate Research Scholar, my senior thesis investigated the robustness of a previously-developed classification system that categorizes convective thunderstorm events initiated during various synoptic and dynamic conditions.
Lastly, I participated in an NSF Research for Undergraduates (REU) program at the Oregon State University working with Dr. Jennifer McKay on silver (Ag) as a potential paleoproductivity proxy.
Peer-reviewed Publications:
Quiring, S., T. Ford, J.K. Wang, A. Khong, E. Harris, T. Lindgren, D. Goldberg, and Z. Li, 2016: The North American Soil Moisture Database: Development and Applications. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-13-00263.1 2
Wang, J.K., T.W. Ford, and S.M. Quiring, 2015: Distinguishing between Unorganized and Organized Convection When Examining Land–Atmosphere Relationships. J. Appl. Meteor. Climatol., 54, 2229- 2243. doi: 10.1175/JAMC-D-15-0086.1
Khong, A., J.K. Wang, S.M. Quiring, and T.W. Ford 2015: Soil moisture variability in Iowa. Int. J. Climatol., 35, 2837–2848. doi:10.1002/joc.4176
Please e-mail me for a PDF of our papers.
Lastly, I participated in an NSF Research for Undergraduates (REU) program at the Oregon State University working with Dr. Jennifer McKay on silver (Ag) as a potential paleoproductivity proxy.
Peer-reviewed Publications:
Quiring, S., T. Ford, J.K. Wang, A. Khong, E. Harris, T. Lindgren, D. Goldberg, and Z. Li, 2016: The North American Soil Moisture Database: Development and Applications. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-13-00263.1 2
Wang, J.K., T.W. Ford, and S.M. Quiring, 2015: Distinguishing between Unorganized and Organized Convection When Examining Land–Atmosphere Relationships. J. Appl. Meteor. Climatol., 54, 2229- 2243. doi: 10.1175/JAMC-D-15-0086.1
Khong, A., J.K. Wang, S.M. Quiring, and T.W. Ford 2015: Soil moisture variability in Iowa. Int. J. Climatol., 35, 2837–2848. doi:10.1002/joc.4176
Please e-mail me for a PDF of our papers.