2025 Internship Project Overview

My project focused on analyzing the interactions between the ocean and atmosphere to better understand extreme weather events. This was done using a coupled computer model that simulates both systems’ feedbacks together rather than separately. I mainly analyzed the cyclone Falchion, a rare storm that occurred in the Black Sea in August 2021 and caused 30 casualties. Falchion showed unusual tropical characteristics despite its location and only one published study exists on it, largely based on satellite data. By visualizing and plotting model outputs with Python, I compared the coupled model against uncoupled models and satellite imagery as reference. Results showed that the coupled model more accurately conveys and captures the cyclone’s development, which points to it being a better forecasting tool. I also participated in research seminars with graduate students, which deepened my understanding of modeling approaches. Overall, this project demonstrated how coupled models can improve prediction of extreme weather events and advance knowledge of forecasting models.

ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP

Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC)

LOCATION

Bologna, Italy

 

Interns

Lucía Achucarro ’26
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
"This internship was a great way for me to solidify environmental modeling skills through hands-on analysis of real-world cases. This helped me gain both technical and analytical skills like using Python for data visualization and analysis, interpreting computer model outputs, and understanding the thermodynamic feedbacks between the ocean and atmosphere.
The thing I found most interesting is that the data used was representative of how real natural systems operate — unpolished and irregular. Learning how to handle and properly analyze data is a great tool to have as an environmental engineer! I liked having to pivot and completely change my analysis strategy based on how the data presented itself, it felt like solving a puzzle — one that had important repercussions, especially in the world of extreme event forecasting."

Click to view the end-of-project presentation

 

Francesco Maicu
Senior Researcher, CMCC

Mentors

  • Emanuela Clementi, Scientist, Division Director of Regional Ocean Forecasting Systems, CMCC
  • Silvio Gualdi, Principal Scientist, CMCC
  • Enrico Scoccimarro, Senior Scientist, CMCC