Ben Kravitz

Dr. Ben Kravitz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Studies. His research focuses on climate dynamics, particularly using climate models to explore radiative forcing, climate response, and climate system feedbacks. He leads the Kravitz Research Group which specializes in combining global climate, regional climate, and process model simulations with mathematical and engineering techniques to understand Earth system responses to perturbations.

Dr. Kravitz received his educational training at prestigious institutions:

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Rutgers University (2011)
• M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences, Rutgers University (2009)
• M.S. in Mathematics, Purdue University (2007)
• B.A. in Mathematics, Northwestern University (2004)

His primary research interests center on climate engineering using stratospheric sulfate aerosols, reduced order modeling of the climate system, high latitude climate teleconnections, and uncertainty quantification for wind energy. He applies engineering techniques such as control theory, system identification, and linear systems theory to climate modeling problems. His work spans multiple areas including geoengineering, climate dynamics, teleconnections, climate model emulators, dynamic downscaling, and wind energy applications. His Erdös number is three, making him the academic grandson of Ed Lorenz.

Dr. Kravitz's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on stratospheric aerosol injection strategies, marine cloud brightening, and the climate response to various geoengineering interventions. His research examines how different injection locations, timing, and strategies affect climate outcomes including extreme events, atmospheric circulation patterns, and regional climate impacts. His work is characterized by sophisticated modeling approaches that integrate multiple Earth system components to assess potential climate intervention strategies.

As Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Kravitz mentors graduate students in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. His research involves extensive collaboration through the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP) and other international research initiatives focused on climate intervention strategies. His work bridges climate science and engineering to develop innovative approaches for understanding Earth system responses to perturbations.

The Kravitz Research Group maintains strong connections with the broader climate modeling community through participation in major intercomparison projects. They focus on understanding how the Earth system responds to perturbations, with particular expertise in developing methods to quantify risks and side effects of climate engineering approaches while exploring fundamental climate dynamics and teleconnections.