Research Scientist, Coastal Modeling
Research Scientist, Coastal Modeling

Biography

As a research scientist, Dr. Wang’s work spans both scientific and applied research using a variety of modeling tools. His current research at PNNL mainly focuses on watershed hydrology, modeling, marine renewable energy characterization and nutrient cycling. Mr. Wang studies watershed hydrology, hydrodynamic circulation/transport, and water quality processes (flushing time, hypoxia, HABs, nutrients, bacteria, toxics, larvae transport) through the combination of numerical modeling and field data analysis. He also provides hydrologic and hydrodynamic modeling support to wetland restoration projects in the U.S. Pacific Northwest spanning from Columbia River to Puget Sound, along with modeling storm surge/coastal inundation under extreme weather events and future climate change conditions. Additionally, his work includes characterizing marine renewable energy resources from tides and waves and assessing the environmental impact from energy harnessing, and carbon and nutrient cycling along the land-ocean interfaces.

Education

  • MS, PhD, 2005, 2009 Physical Oceanography, The College of William & Mary
  • BS, MS, 1999, 2002 Environmental Science & Engineering, Nankai University, China
  • Registered Professional Engineer (Civil, WA #57715)

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • American Geophysical Union
  • Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation

Publications

2019

  • Chen M., S. Yim, D. Cox, T. Wang, M.H. Huesemann, Z. Yang, and T. Mumford, et al. 2019. "Hydrodynamic Load Modeling for Offshore Free-Floating Macroalgal Aquaculture under Extreme Environmental Conditions." In Proceedings of the ASME 2019 38th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE 2019), June 9-14, 2019, Glasgow, Scotland, 6, Paper No: OMAE2019-96803, V006T05A008. New York, New York:ASME. PNNL-SA-146823. doi:10.1115/OMAE2019-96803
  • Garcia Medina G., Z. Yang, N. Li, K.F. Cheung, T. Wang, and W. Wu. 2019. High-Resolution Regional Wave Hindcast for Hawaii. PNNL-29370. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. High-Resolution Regional Wave Hindcast for Hawaii
  • Wang T., and Z. Yang. 2019. "The Nonlinear Response of Storm Surge to Sea-Level Rise: A Modeling Approach." Journal of Coastal Research. JCR 35, no. 2:287-294. PNNL-SA-137846. doi:10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-18-00029.1
  • Yang Z., G. Garcia Medina, W. Wu, T. Wang, L. Leung, L. Castrucci, and G. Mauger. 2019. "Modeling Analysis of the Swell and Wind-Sea Climate in the Salish Sea." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 224. PNNL-SA-140307. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2019.04.043
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, and L. Castrucci. 2019. Storm Surge Modeling in Puget Sound. PNNL-28685. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Storm Surge Modeling in Puget Sound
  • Yang Z., W. Wu, T. Wang, G. Garcia Medina, and L. Castrucci. 2019. High-Resolution Regional Wave Hindcast for the U.S. Alaska Coast. PNNL-29479. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. High-Resolution Regional Wave Hindcast for the U.S. Alaska Coast

2018

  • Wang T., Z. Yang, W. Wu, and M.E. Grear. 2018. "A Sensitivity Analysis of the Wind Forcing Effect on the Accuracy of Large-Wave Hindcasting." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 6, no. 4. PNNL-SA-139620. doi:10.3390/jmse6040139
  • Wu W., Z. Yang, and T. Wang. 2018. "Wave Resource Characterization Using an Unstructured-grid Modeling Approach." Energies 11, no. 3:Article No. 605. PNNL-SA-132143. doi:10.3390/en11030605
  • Yang Z., W. Wu, T. Wang, and L. Castrucci. 2018. High-Resolution Regional Wave Hindcast for the U.S. West Coast. PNNL-28107. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. High-Resolution Regional Wave Hindcast for the U.S. West Coast
  • Yang Z., W. Wu, T. Wang, L. Castrucci, and G. Garcia Medina. 2018. Simulating Wave Climate in the Salish Sea. PNNL-27998. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Simulating Wave Climate in the Salish Sea

2017

  • Wang T., and Z. Yang. 2017. "A Modeling Study of Tidal Energy Extraction and the Associated Impact on Tidal Circulation in a Multi-inlet Bay System of Puget Sound." Renewable Energy 114, no. Part A:204-214. PNNL-SA-124782. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2017.03.049
  • Whiting J.M., T. Wang, and T.P. Khangaonkar. 2017. Hydrodynamic Model Development and Application for Restoration Alternatives Assessment - Skagit Delta Hydrodynamic Modeling Project (SHDM). PNNL-26867. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Hydrodynamic Model Development and Application for Restoration Alternatives Assessment - Skagit Delta Hydrodynamic Modeling Project (SHDM)
  • Yang Z., V.S. Neary, T. Wang, B. Gunawanb, A.R. Dallman, and W. Wu. 2017. "A Wave Model Test Bed Study for Wave Energy Resource Characterization." Renewable Energy 114, no. Part A:132-144. PNNL-SA-122388. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2016.12.057

2016

  • Xuan J., Z. Yang, D. Huang, T. Wang, and F. Zhou. 2016. "Tidal residual current and its role in the mean flow on the Changjiang Bank." Journal of Marine Systems 154, no. Part A:66-81. PNNL-SA-109787. doi:10.1016/j.jmarsys.2015.04.005
  • Yang Z., and T. Wang. 2016. "NUMERICAL MODELS AS ENABLING TOOLS FOR TIDAL-STREAM ENERGY EXTRACTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT." In Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, June 18-24, 2016, Busan, South Korea, 6, V006T05A006, OMAE2016-54223. New York, New York:American Society of Mechanical Engineers. PNNL-SA-116734. doi:10.1115/OMAE2016-54223
  • Yang Z., S. Taraphdar, T. Wang, L. Leung, and M.E. Grear. 2016. "Uncertainty and feasibility of dynamical downscaling for modeling tropical cyclones for storm surge simulation." Natural Hazards 84, no. 2:1161-1184. PNNL-SA-119692. doi:10.1007/s11069-016-2482-y

2015

  • Wang T., and Z. Yang. 2015. "Understanding the Flushing Capability of Bellingham Bay and Its Implication on Bottom Water Hypoxia." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 165. PNNL-SA-109990. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2015.04.010
  • Wang T., Z. Yang, and A.E. Copping. 2015. "A Modeling Study of the Potential Water Quality Impacts from In-Stream Tidal Energy Extraction." Estuaries and Coasts 38, no. 1 (Supplement):173-186. PNNL-SA-97921. doi:10.1007/s12237-013-9718-9
  • Yang Z., and T. Wang. 2015. "Modeling the Effects of Tidal Energy Extraction on Estuarine Hydrodynamics in a Stratified Estuary." Estuaries and Coasts 38, no. 1 Supplement:187-202. PNNL-SA-97325. doi:10.1007/s12237-013-9684-2
  • Yang Z., and T. Wang. 2015. "Responses of Estuarine Circulation and Salinity to the Loss of Intertidal Flats - A Modeling Study." Continental Shelf Research 111, no. Part B:159-173. PNNL-SA-111458. doi:10.1016/j.csr.2015.08.011
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, N. Voisin, and A.E. Copping. 2015. "Estuarine Response to River Flow and Sea-Level Rise under Future Climate Change and Human Development." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 156. PNNL-SA-102982. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2014.08.015

2014

  • Wang T., T. Khangaonkar, W. Long, and G.A. Gill. 2014. "Development of a Kelp-type Structure Module in a Coastal Ocean Model to Assess the Hydrodynamic Impact of Seawater Uranium Extraction Technology." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2, no. 1:81-92. PNNL-SA-100036. doi:10.3390/jmse2010081
  • Yang Z., and T. Wang. 2014. "Hydrodynamic Modeling Analysis to Support Nearshore Restoration Projects in a Changing Climate." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2, no. 1:18-32. PNWD-SA-10261. doi:10.3390/jmse2010018
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, A. Copping, and S.H. Geerlofs. 2014. "Modeling In-stream Tidal Energy Extraction and Its Potential Environmental Impacts." In Proceedings of the 10th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference, 2013, n/a. London:European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference. PNNL-SA-98054.
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, A.E. Copping, and S.H. Geerlofs. 2014. "Modeling of In-stream Tidal Energy Development and its Potential Effects in Tacoma Narrows, Washington, USA." Ocean and Coastal Management 99. PNNL-SA-100989. doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2014.02.010
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, and A. Copping. 2014. "ARRAY OPTIMIZATION FOR TIDAL ENERGY EXTRACTION IN A TIDAL CHANNEL - A NUMERICAL MODELING ANALYSIS." In Proceedings of the 2nd Marine Energy Technology Symposium (METS2014), April 15-28, 2014, Seattle, Washington. Gaithersburg, Maryland:Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition. PNNL-SA-102213.

2013

  • Copping A.E., Z. Yang, N. Voisin, J. Richey, T. Wang, R.Y. Taira, and M. Constans, et al. 2013. Integrated Modeling and Decision-Support System for Water Management in the Puget Sound Basin: Snow Caps to White Caps. PNNL-23078. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Integrated Modeling and Decision-Support System for Water Management in the Puget Sound Basin: Snow Caps to White Caps
  • Khangaonkar T., and T. Wang. 2013. "Potential alteration of fjordal circulation due to a large floating structure-Numerical investigation with application to Hood Canal basin in Puget Sound." Applied Ocean Research 39. PNNL-SA-71339. doi:10.1016/j.apor.2012.11.003
  • Yang Z., and T. Wang. 2013. "Tidal Residual Eddies and their Effect on Water Exchange in Puget Sound." Ocean Dynamics 63, no. 8:995-1009. PNNL-SA-95667. doi:10.1007/s10236-013-0635-z
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, and A.E. Copping. 2013. "Modeling Tidal Stream Energy Extraction and its Effects on Transport Processes in a Tidal Channel and Bay System Using a Three-dimensional Coastal Ocean Model." Renewable Energy 50. PNNL-SA-88183. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2012.07.024
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, L.R. Leung, K.A. Hibbard, A.C. Janetos, I.P. Kraucunas, and J.S. Rice, et al. 2013. "A modeling study of coastal inundation induced by storm surge, sea-level rise, and subsidence in the Gulf of Mexico." Natural Hazards 71, no. 3:1771-1794. PNNL-SA-94696. doi:10.1007/s11069-013-0974-6

2012

  • Wang T., and Z. Yang. 2012. "A Modeling Study of Hydrodynamic Circulation in a Fjord of the Pacific Northwest." In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Estuarine and Coastal Modeling, November 7-9, 2011, St. Augustine, Florida, 256-273. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineering. PNNL-SA-86494.
  • Yang Z., and T. Wang. 2012. "Hydrodynamic Modeling Analysis of Tidal Wetland Restoration in Snohomish River, Washington." In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Estuarine and Coastal Modeling, November 7-9, 2011, St Augustine, Florida, edited by ML Spaulding, 139-155. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers. PNNL-SA-84170. doi:10.1061/9780784412411.00008
  • Yang Z., T. Wang, T. Khangaonkar, and S.A. Breithaupt. 2012. "Integrated Modeling of Flood Flows and Tidal Hydrodynamics over a Coastal Floodplain." Environmental Fluid Mechanics 12, no. 1:63-80. PNWD-SA-9428. doi:10.1007/s10652-011-9214-3

2011

2010

2009

  • Yang Z., T. Khangaonkar, J.M. Chase, and T. Wang. 2009. "Puget Sound Operational Forecast System - A Real-time Predictive Tool for Marine Resource Management and Emergency Responses." In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Estuarine and Coastal Modeling, November 4-6, 2009, Seattle, WA, edited by ML Spaulding, 356-372. Reston, Virginia:American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). PNNL-SA-71183. doi:10.1061/41121(388)22