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Cliff Mass
Professor at University of Washington
Cliff Mass is a prominent meteorologist and professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington. His academic focus includes numerical weather modeling, weather prediction, and the influence of topography on weather systems, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. He has published extensively, with over 120 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and is recognized as a fellow of the American Meteorological Society.124
Education and Early Career
Mass earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Cornell University in 1974, where he conducted research on Martian weather alongside Carl Sagan. He completed his PhD in Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington in 1978, focusing on African wave disturbances and their impact on climate variation.23 Before joining the University of Washington faculty, he was a professor at the University of Maryland.3
Research Contributions
Mass leads the Mesoscale Analysis and Forecasting Group at the University of Washington, which operates one of the most advanced local high-resolution weather prediction systems in the United States. His research has significantly advanced understanding of various weather phenomena including orographic precipitation and coastal surges.134 He is also involved in improving operational weather forecasting methods and has been critical of existing systems like the National Weather Service.3
Publications and Media Engagement
He authored The Weather of the Pacific Northwest, a best-selling book from the University of Washington Press, and maintains a popular weather blog where he discusses meteorological phenomena and current events related to weather.124 Mass has been a regular contributor to local public radio stations, though some of his non-weather-related comments have sparked controversy.2
Professional Affiliations
In addition to his teaching and research roles, Mass has served in various leadership capacities within meteorological organizations, including as past president of the Puget Sound chapter of the American Meteorological Society. He has also been involved with committees focused on meteorological data and education.56
Personal Insights
Cliff Mass is known for his outspoken views on climate change, advocating for clear communication about scientific findings while critiquing exaggerated claims regarding climate impacts. He emphasizes that global warming is a serious issue but has questioned its attribution to specific weather events.24
Overall, Cliff Mass stands out as a key figure in meteorology, combining academic rigor with public engagement to enhance understanding of weather patterns and climate science.
