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Article Type:
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Herbert Riehl: Intrepid and Enigmatic Scholar

John M. Lewis National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma, and Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada

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Matthew G. Fearon Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada

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Harold E. Klieforth Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada

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Online Publication:
01 Jul 2012
Print Publication:
01 Jul 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-11-00224.1
Page(s):
963–985
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Herbert Riehl, known as the “father of tropical meteorology,” certainly made outstanding contributions to this field of study. Yet, when his oeuvre is examined retrospectively, there is strong evidence that his view was global and encompassed processes that cut across the latitudinal bands of the tropics, subtropics, and midlatitudes. His pathway into meteorology was unique as a Jewish man who immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1933—that point in time when the fascist regime in Germany gained significant power. Meteorology was not his first choice as a career, but circumstances related to imminent world war led him to the study of meteorology. He was inspired by his teaching and research experiences at the Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Puerto Rico during World War II. Further, he found his scientific calling in the milieu of “Rossby's School” at the University of Chicago (U of C) following the war. Particular attention is paid herein to his early work from the mid-1940s through the late 1950s while professor at the U of C—a period when he ventured into the relatively unknown field of tropical meteorology. The strength of his early research contributions along with his mastery of language and adeptness in scientific debate drew many first-rate students into the field. However, his unorthodox brand of mentorship and his hard-edged nature created challenges that are further examined through first-person verbal portraits or vignettes. This article explores in some detail the interaction between Riehl and one of his students, Joanne Simpson. Finally, Riehl's scientific legacy is discussed.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: J. M. Lewis, National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, OK 73072, E-mail: jlewis@dri.edu

Herbert Riehl, known as the “father of tropical meteorology,” certainly made outstanding contributions to this field of study. Yet, when his oeuvre is examined retrospectively, there is strong evidence that his view was global and encompassed processes that cut across the latitudinal bands of the tropics, subtropics, and midlatitudes. His pathway into meteorology was unique as a Jewish man who immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1933—that point in time when the fascist regime in Germany gained significant power. Meteorology was not his first choice as a career, but circumstances related to imminent world war led him to the study of meteorology. He was inspired by his teaching and research experiences at the Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Puerto Rico during World War II. Further, he found his scientific calling in the milieu of “Rossby's School” at the University of Chicago (U of C) following the war. Particular attention is paid herein to his early work from the mid-1940s through the late 1950s while professor at the U of C—a period when he ventured into the relatively unknown field of tropical meteorology. The strength of his early research contributions along with his mastery of language and adeptness in scientific debate drew many first-rate students into the field. However, his unorthodox brand of mentorship and his hard-edged nature created challenges that are further examined through first-person verbal portraits or vignettes. This article explores in some detail the interaction between Riehl and one of his students, Joanne Simpson. Finally, Riehl's scientific legacy is discussed.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: J. M. Lewis, National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, OK 73072, E-mail: jlewis@dri.edu
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