Xia Li

Welcome! I am a polar scientist and I study small-scale processes in polar atmosphere to address big questions on global climate system.

The polar regions, particularly the Arctic and parts of the Antarctic, have become emblematic of climate change, with alarming consequences such as shrinking summer sea ice, warming oceans, thawing permafrost, and increasing boreal forest fires. Yet, major uncertainties, particularly regarding clouds, sea ice, and their interactions with radiation, persist. I believe addressing these challenges requires not only an integrated approach that combines scientific advancement with technical innovation, but also a broader, three-dimensional mindset encompassing mitigation, adaptation, and thoughtful climate intervention.

My research centers on the intricate interactions among clouds, sea ice, and radiation, and how these coupled processes shape polar climate change. More recently, I have focused on understanding the foundamental physical mechanisms governing polar climate responses under cloud-based climate intervention pathways. These efforts combine multi-platform observations (including ground-based measurements, satellite observations, and reanalyses), multi-scale modeling approaches (ranging from large-eddy simulations and energy balance models to Earth system models), and polar-specific theoretical frameworks.