Lorenzo M. Polvani

Lorenzo M. Polvani

Maurice Ewing and J. Lamar Worzel Professor of Geophysics; Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Polvani’s research encompasses many aspects of atmospheric and climate dynamics, including the physical response of the climate system to increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide, the chemistry and dynamics of the stratosphere, Arctic and Antarctic climate change, the effects of volcanic eruptions on climate, and past and future climate impacts related to the Montreal Protocol.

He is particularly interested in quantifying and distinguishing the effects of anthropogenic forcings from natural climate variability. He also retains an interest in geophysical fluid dynamics, and occasionally dabbles in planetary atmospheres.

Polvani earned Bachelor and Master degrees in Physics from McGill University, and a Doctorate in Physical Oceanography from the MIT/Woods Hole Joint Program in 1988. He was an Instructor in Applied Mathematics at MIT before joining Columbia University, where he has been teaching for over 35 years. He has received several teaching awards.

Research Areas

  • Data Science
  • Climate Modeling and Prediction

Additional Information

  • Professional Experience
    • Affiliate Scientist, National Center for Atmospheric Research, 2004-2023
    • Alliance Visiting Professor, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaisaeau, France, 2015
    • Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2000-present
    • Professor of Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, 2000-present
    • Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, 1995-2000
    • Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, 1990-1995
    • Instructor in Applied Mathematics [non-tenure track], M.I.T., 1988-1990
  • Professional Affiliations
    • American Meteorological Society
    • American Geophysical Union
    • European Geosciences Union
    • American Physical Society
    • American Astronomical Society
    • Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
  • Honors & Awards
    • Fellow, American Geophysical Union, 2019
    • Fellow, American Meteorological Society, 2015
    • Best Teacher of the Year, Dept of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, 2012
    • Great Teacher Award, Society of Columbia Graduates, Columbia University 2008
    • Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award, Columbia SEAS Alumni Association 1997