In Memoriam: Vladimir Petoukhov
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vladimir Petoukhov, a renowned climate scientist and pioneer of Russian climate modeling, who passed away on 4 September 2023. Vladimir's lifetime dedication to advancing our understanding of climate dynamics and his exceptional contributions to the field have left an indelible mark on the scientific community and our planet.
Born on July 27, 1946, Vladimir Petoukhov embarked on a remarkable journey in pursuit of knowledge and scientific excellence. His academic journey led him from Russia to Vienna and eventually to Potsdam, where he dedicated the majority of his scientific career to pioneering the statistical-dynamical modeling approach. His passion for unraveling the complexities of our climate system was unparalleled, and he played a pivotal role in the development of the CLIMBER model family at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).
Vladimir's brilliance as a theoretician was matched only by his encyclopedic knowledge across a broad spectrum of subjects related to climate and beyond. His insatiable curiosity and unique intuition were the driving forces behind his ability to tackle and solve some of the most complex scientific problems in the realm of atmospheric dynamics.
One of Vladimir Petoukhov's most significant contributions to climate science was the development of the theory of quasi-resonant amplification of planetary waves within the jet stream. His groundbreaking work illuminated the connection between these resonant phenomena and the occurrence of synchronous extreme weather events across the northern hemisphere. Vladimir's research shed light on how global warming, especially in the Arctic region, was likely intensifying this resonance phenomenon, leading to more frequent and severe weather extremes. His work served as a critical warning about the consequences of climate change and the need for immediate action.
Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Vladimir was a beloved mentor and collaborator – soft-spoken, modest and always kind. He will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Vladimir Petoukhov leaves behind a profound legacy that extends far beyond the realm of academia. His pioneering research has deepened our understanding of the Earth's climate system and has contributed to the urgent conversation on climate change and its consequences.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary scientist and visionary, we are reminded of the responsibility we share in continuing his work and preserving the planet he so passionately sought to protect. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
If you wish to publicly share a message of condolence kindly send your message to:
condolence@pik-potsdam.de
Contact:
PIK press office
Phone: +49 331 288 25 07
E-Mail: press@pik-potsdam.de
www.pik-potsdam.de
