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Wenhong Li

Professor of Climate in the Division of Earth and Climate Science
Earth and Climate Sciences
Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328
5113 Environment Hall, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Dr. Li's research interests focus primarily on climate dynamics, land-atmosphere interaction, hydroclimatology, and climate modeling. Her current research is to understand how the hydrological cycle changes in the current and future climate and their impacts on the ecosystems, subtropical high variability and change, unforced global temperature variability, and climate and health issues.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Climate in the Division of Earth and Climate Science · 2025 - Present Earth and Climate Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment
Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering · 2024 - Present Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering

Recent Publications


Eco-hydrological recovery following large vegetation disturbances from a mega earthquake on the eastern Tibetan plateau

Journal Article Journal of Hydrology · April 1, 2025 Catastrophic earthquakes induce significant, enduring vegetation disturbances through extensive landslides and geomorphological alterations. The post-earthquake vegetation recovery hinges on the disturbance severity, climatic variability, and strategic hum ... Full text Cite

Temperature and Water Levels Collectively Regulate Methane Emissions From Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands

Journal Article Global Biogeochemical Cycles · March 1, 2025 Wetlands are the largest and most climate-sensitive natural sources of methane. Accurately estimating wetland methane emissions involves reconciling inversion (“top-down”) and process-based (“bottom-up”) models within the global methane budget. However, es ... Full text Cite

Earth's record-high greenness and its attributions in 2020

Journal Article Remote Sensing of Environment · January 1, 2025 Terrestrial vegetation is a crucial component of Earth's biosphere, regulating global carbon and water cycles and contributing to human welfare. Despite an overall greening trend, terrestrial vegetation exhibits a significant inter-annual variability. The ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Assessing The Impacts of Wildland Fire on Watersheds Under Climate Change

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by US Forest Service · 2023 - 2026

IUCRC Planning Grant Duke University: Center for Innovation in Risk-analysis for Climate Adaptation and Decision-making (CIRCAD)

ResearchParticipating Faculty Member · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2024 - 2025

View All Grants

External Links


Fire project