Eric Betterton

Member
Research Focus Group Membership: 
Research Focus Group 1
Education: 
  • PhD, University of the Witwatersrand, 1983, Chemistry
  • BS, University of Natal, 1975, Chemistry
  • BS, University of Natal, 1974, Chemistry and Applied Chemistry
College Affiliations: 

Department of Atmospheric Sciences

Institute of Atmospheric Physics

Research Interests: 

Aerosols, Pollution Prevention, Solar Energy, Air Quality

Environmental Health Research & Expertise: 

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.