- PhD, University of the Witwatersrand, 1983, Chemistry
- BS, University of Natal, 1975, Chemistry
- BS, University of Natal, 1974, Chemistry and Applied Chemistry
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Institute of Atmospheric Physics
Aerosols, Pollution Prevention, Solar Energy, Air Quality
Dr. Betterton is a University Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences. His energy research focusses on forecasting solar and wind energy using the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model. The “Solar Group”, of which he is a member, uses high resolution (1.8 km) weather models to predict solar and wind energy 1-day to 7-days in advance for electric utilities. Very short term forecasts (30-minutes in advance) are made by incorporating satellite observations of clouds. Dr. Betterton also serves as Chair of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Board of Trustees, which manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research, an NSF-funded research and development center.