Ricky is a research scientist using his modelling expertise to test and develop a new high-resolution approach with the Met Office Virtual Met MastTM tool, which can complement local site observations made when assessing potential site locations.
This approach makes use of the Met Office Unified Model (UM), using nested model domains to represent the details of the wind flow at very high resolution. The same atmospheric physics that underpin the UM are utilised in the Virtual Met MastTM modelling system.
Ricky also works within convection, which is part of the Atmospheric Processes and Parameterizations (APP) group at the Met Office. He is responsible for the Single Column Unified Model (SCM), the single column version of the Met Office Unified Model. The SCM is an important research tool which runs a quicker and less expensive model at a single point. It helps to assess how new physics code performs without the complicated dynamical feedbacks present in the full UM.
Ricky's support and development role in these areas contributes directly to the Met Office Unified Model which provides a consistent approach to channel ongoing developments from weather and climate research, into products such as Virtual Met MastTM.
Ricky has been a member of Atmospheric Processes and Parameterizations (APP) since starting at the Met Office in 2003. Prior to joining the Met Office, Ricky completed a PhD in enhancement of supersonic jet mixing at Cranfield University (RMCS) in Wiltshire, where he also received his undergraduate degree in AeroMech Systems Engineering.
"We're always working towards improving the accuracy of our model forecasts at all timescales. The Met Office adopts a Unified Model approach; this means any advances will benefit all applications which use our model forecasts, including wind farm resourcing. While real world observations are critical, I believe that model forecasts will become increasingly more important to obtain confidence in site locations over the long timescales if the wind farm industry is to expand at the rate required of it."