Xiaochun Zhang

Xiaochun Zhang, PhD

Research Fellow
Ecological Modeling and Integration Lab
San Diego State University
Tel: 619-594-0714
E-mail: xczhang@mail.sdsu.edu
Web: Click here to visit Xiaochun’s website
.

Research interests

.       Xiaochun Zhang is a scientist and modeler with 10+ years of research experience in environment sciences. Using statistical analysis, data science applications and advanced modeling with modern programming technologies, Xiaochun’s research focuses on the modeling and big data integration of environmental interactions between climate, ecosystems and energy systems. Xiaochun serves as an expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) WG II Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability, IPCC WG III AR5 Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change, and as reviewer for about twenty prestigious journals. His research experiences and interests in environmental science includes:

• Environmental Research: environment modeling and simulation, such as environmental model-data integration in the Earth system model, and regional atmospheric environment modeling and simulation.
• Ecological Research: ecosystem analysis and modeling, such as improved analytics to enhance coastal wetland conservation efforts, and energy balance and its relationship with ecological environments on plateau ecosystem.
• Climatic and Energy: energy system transition and its impacts on global climate, such as to better understand the climatic impacts of using different sources of energy, and analysis on energy consumption and carbon, methane emissions.

Education

Professional Experience

Honors and Awards

• Outstanding Engineering Consultant Achievement Award (Association of Engineering Consultants in Tianjin Municipality, 2012)
• The First Prize of Science and Technology Award (National Association of Ports and Harbors of China, 2011)
• Excellent Science and Technology Achievement Award (Ministry of Transport, 2010)
• Scholarship for Excellent Student (Inner Mongolia University, 2005)
• Outstanding Student Leader (Inner Mongolia University, 2004)
• Challenge Cup Winner of National Science and Technology Competition (Science and Technology Agency of Inner Mongolia, Science and Technology Association of Inner Mongolia, 2003)
• Scholarship for Excellent Student (Inner Mongolia University, 2003)
• Challenge Cup Winner of Science and Technology Competition (Inner Mongolia University, 2002)

Professional Activities

    Expert Reviewer for Reports

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) WG II Fifth Assessment Report (AR5): Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) WG III Fifth Assessment Report (AR5): Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change
• 2013 Supplement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories

    Member on Editorial Boards

• Global Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (2015-)
• Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation Research (2015-)
• Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection (2015-)
• Geographical Science Research (Chinese Journal)
• Advances in Environmental Protection (Chinese Journal)
• International Journal of Ecology (Chinese Journal)

    Reviewer for Papers

Environmental Science and Technology, Environmental Modelling and Software, Climatic Change, Ecological Indicators, Journal of Industrial Ecology, Ecological Modelling, Earth System Dynamics, Energy Policy, Energy Research and Social Science, Energy Strategy Reviews, Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, Energy Conversion and Management, International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, Ocean and Coastal Management, Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Publications

    Peer-Reviewed Papers

1. Zhang, X., C Ma, X Song, Y Zhou, W Chen. The impacts of wind technology advancement on future global energy, Applied Energy, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.04.029.
2. Zhang, X., N Myhrvold, Z Hausfather, K Caldeira. Climate benefits of natural gas as a bridge fuel and potential delay of near-zero energy systems, Applied Energy, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy. 2015.10.016.
3. Zhang, X.and K Caldeira. Timescales and ratios of climate forcing due to thermal versus carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, Geophysical Research Letters, 2015, 42, doi:10.1002/2015GL 063514.
4. Schwartzman, P., D Schwartzman, X Zhang. Climatic implications of a rapid wind and solar transition, Nature Climate Change, under review.
5. Persad, G., X Zhang, K Caldeira. Natural gas and carbon intensity in the transportation sector: compressed natural gas versus battery electric vehicles, Environmental Research Letters, under review.
6. Zhang X., N. P. Myhrvold, K. Caldeira. Key factors for assessing climate benefits of natural gas versus coal electricity generation. Environmental Research Letters, 2014, 9 (11), 114022.
7. Zhang, X., W Chen, C Ma, S Zhan. Modeling particulate matter emissions during mineral loading process under weak wind simulation. Science of the Total Environment, 2013 (449): 168-173, doi: 10.1016/j. scitotenv.2013.01.050.
8. Ma, C., X Zhang, W Chen, G Zhang, H Duan, M Ju, H Li, Z Yang. China’s special marine protected area policy: Trade-off between economic development and marine conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management, 2013, 76: 1-11.
9. Zhang, X., W Chen, C Ma, S Zhan. Modeling the effect of humidity on the threshold friction velocity of coal particles. Atmospheric Environment, 2012 (56): 154-160.
10. Zhang, X., C Ma, S Zhan, W Chen. Evaluation and simulation for ecological risk based on emergy analysis and pressure- state- response model in a coastal city, China. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 2012 (13): 221-231.
11. Zhang, X., W Chen, C Ma, S Zhan, W Jiao. Regional atmospheric environment risk source identification and assessment. Environment Science, 2012, 33(12): 4167-4172.
12. Zhang, X., C Ma, W Chen, H Li. Ecological water requirement for wetland ecological restoration in Tianjin Binhai New District. South-to-North Water Diversion and Water Science and Technology, 2012, 10(5): 63-66.
13. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, Y Zhao, H Li. Application of Markov model in wetland change dynamics in Tianjin coastal area, China. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 2012 (13): 252-262 (Corresponding author).
14. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, B Zhou, T Mao. Simulation modeling for wetland utilization and protection based on system dynamic model in a coastal city, China. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 2012 (13): 202-213 (Corresponding author).
15. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, H Li, M Ju, B Zhou, L Zhang. Modes of ecological restoration for wetlands in the Binhai New District of Tianjin. South-to-North Water Diversion and Water Science and Technology. 2012, 10(4): 30-33.
16. Zhang, X., W Chen, C Ma, G Zhang, M Ju. Assessment method for regional environmental risk based on Pressure-State-Response model. China Environmental Science, 2012, 32(S2): 84-87.
17. Zhan, S., X Zhang, C Ma, W Chen. Dynamic modelling for ecological and economic sustainability in a rapid urbanizing region. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 2012 (13): 242-251 (Corresponding author).
18. Ma, C., X Zhang, G Zhang, M Ju, B Zhou, X Li. Application of DPSIR framework in environmental impact assessment for port planning. China Environmental Science, 2012, 32(S2): 107- 111 (Corresponding author).
19. Wang, Z., S Zhan, X Zhang. Research on the filling problem of liquefied natural gas ships. Shanxi Architecture, 2012, 38(19): 273 – 274.
20. Ma, C., M Ju, X Zhang, H Li. Energy consumption and carbon emissions in a coastal city in China. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 2011 (4):1-9.
21. Ma, C., M Ju, H Li, X Zhang, C Cheng. Analysis of change and driving force in land ecosystem diversity in Tianjin. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium University Nankaiensis, 2011, 44(1): 66-70. 0465- 7942 (2011)01- 0066- 05.
22. Zhang, X., S Gu, X Zhao, X Cui, L Zhao, S Xu, M Du, S Jiang, Y Gao, C Ma and Y Tang. Radiation partitioning and its relation to environmental factors above a meadow ecosystem on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Journal of Geophysical Research, 2010, 115, d10106, doi:10.1029/2009 JD012373.
23. Ma, C., X Zhang, L Zhang, M Ju, H Li, X Mo. Modified sustainable development model of Tianjin municipality based on the eco-footprint method. Journal of Safety and Environment, 2010, 10(1): 127-131 (Corresponding author).
24. Hu, Y., S Gu, S Jiang, X Zhang, J Li, Y Gao, Y Qiao. Effect of different light quality on fruit quality of ‘Darselect’ strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.). Journal of Sichuan Agricultural University, 2010, 28(2), 164-168.
25. Wang, J., L Ma, S Zhan, X Zhang, S Peng, C Ma. Effects of moisture on threshold velocity of coal dust. Journal of Waterway and Harbor, 2009, 30(3), 209-212.
26. Zhan, S., X Zhang, C Ma. Coal classification based on environmental protection and burning quality. Journal of China Coal Society, 2009, 34 (11): 1535-1539.
27. Han, G., S Zhan, X Zhang, C Ma. Influence factors and mathematical model of coal dust particles threshold velocity. Journal of China Coal Society, 2009, 34(10): 1359-1363 (Corresponding author).
28. Chen, J., S Zhan, X Zhang. Study on construction development and theories of green port. Journal of Transport Information and Safety, 2009, 27(S3):198-202 (Corresponding author).
29. Zhang, X., C Ma, S Gu, J Yang, B Song, X He, Y Gao. Complexity of ecosystem dynamics, Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2009, 42(2): 99-104.
30. Gao, Z., Y Gao, Z Zheng, X Zhang. A comparative study of photosynthetic characteristics of Caragana Davazamcii between plants of different ages in Huangfuchuan Basin of Ordos Plateau. Bulletin of Botanical Research, 2009, 29(2), 182-186.
31. Qiao, Y., S Gu, Y Tang, M Du, L Zhao, Y Li, X Zhang, S Jiang, Characteristics of diffuse radiation on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Nankaiensis, 2008, 41 (3): 69-78.
32. Ma, C., W Meng, M Ju, H Li, X Zhang, C Hao. Dynamic assessment of China’s sustainable development possibility based on the eco-environmental footprint during the period of 1997-2006. Journal of Safety and Environment, 2008, 8 (6): 75-80.
33. Ma, C., Q Sun, J Niu, H Li, Y Ding, X Zhang. TWINSPAN classification and selection of Alfalfa Acta Agriculture Boreali-sinica, 2008, 23 (2): 151-154.
34. Ma, C., H Li, W Meng, L Zhang, X Zhang. Use of sustainable landscape design on protection in Tianjin coastal wetlands, China Population, Resources and Environment, 2007, 17 (S): 314-317.

    Books

35. C Ma, et al. Wetland Sustainable Development: Restoration Approach. Beijing: Chemical Industry Press, 2013 (Lead author of climate and environment sections).
36. G Yu, et al. Report of Scientific Survey on Tianjin Palaeocoast And Wetland National Natural Reserve. Beijing: Chemical Industry Press, 2013 (Lead author of climate and environment sections).
37. G Zhang, S Peng, L Jing, J Bai, X Zhang, et al. Port Construction and Wetland Protection. Beijing: China Forestry Publishing House, 2012 (Coordinating lead author).
38. G Zhang, S Zhan, X Zhang, et al. Theory and Technology for Aerosol Pollution Control in Port. Beijing: China Communication Press, 2009 (Coordinating lead author).

   Conference Papers and Abstracts

39. Zhang, X., N Myhrvold, K Caldeira. Assessing climate benefits of natural gas and coal electricity generation. European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2015, Apr. 2015. EGU2015-13925.
40. Zhang, X., N Myhrvold, K Caldeira. Evaluating the climate effects of natural gas vs coal electricity generation. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2014, Dec. 2014. GC13B-0625.
41. Zhang, X., L Cao, K Caldeira. Energy switching threshold for climatic benefits. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2013, Dec. 2013. GC13C-1095.
42. Ma, C., X Zhang, G Zhang. Evaluation of health status for wetland ecosystem after boundary adjustments and land use policy change in a national natural reserve in China. Proceeding of the 53rd Estuarine Coastal Sciences Association (ECSA) Annual Conference: Estuaries and Coastal Areas in Times of Intense Change and Ocean and Coastal Management. 2013. O7.03.
43. Ma, C., X Zhang, W Chen, G Zhang. Changes in carbon sources and sinks and greenhouse gas emission characteristics of megacity: a case study in China. Proceeding of the 9th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide. Jun.2013. p.350. (Corresponding author).
44. Ma, C., X Zhang, G Zhang. Review of GHGs emission characteristic of wetland under human management. Proceeding of the 9th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide. 2013. p.315. (Corresponding author).
45. Zhang X., C Ma, W Chen, S Gu. Global utilization and development of wind energy. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development. Oct. 2012. 584-587.
46. Zhang X., C Ma; W Chen; S Zhan. Safety Design for Support Structure of Regional Wind System Engineering. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering and Transportation, Oct.2012. 1029-1032.
47. Ma, C., X Zhang, G Zhang, W Chen, S Gu. Global utilization of solar energy and development of solar cell materials. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development. Oct. 2012. 151-154. (Corresponding author).
48. Ma, C., Y Wang, X Zhang, G Zhang. Suitability analysis of ecological restoration for coastal area under transportation Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering and Transportation, Oct.2012. 1965-1968. (Corresponding author).
49. Ma, C., Y Wang, G Zhang, X Zhang, B Zhou, X Li. Water Environmental Management for Wetland Restoration for Tianjin National Natural Reserve in China. Proceedings of the 2012 International Conference of Environment Materials and Environment Management. 2012. C3.638. (Corresponding author).
50. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, B Zhou, Y Zhao. Megacities in China’s coastal zone: using a driving force-pressure-state-impact-response framework to address liveability problems. Proceeding of Conference on Urban Environmental Pollution 2012: Creating Healthy, Liveable Cities. 2012. P1.30 (Corresponding author).
51. Zhang, X., C Ma, W Chen, S Zhan. Urban atmospheric environmental health risk assessment on landscape. Proceeding of Conference on Urban Environmental Pollution 2012: Creating Healthy, Liveable Cities, Jun.2012. P1.33.
52. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, B Zhou, W Jiang. Water resource management for wetland restoration engineering in Tianjin coastal area in China. Proceedings of International Conference on Energy and Environmental Protection. 2012. P4333. (Corresponding author).
53. Zhang, X., C Ma, W Chen, S Zhan. Applying numerical simulation for emergency evacuation in architectural engineering. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture and Building Materials. May 2012. 10-3420.
54. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, Y Zhao, M Li, H Li. Environment impact assessment of port planning: using a driving force- pressure- state- impact- response framework to address environmental problems. Proceedings of International Conference on Remote Sensing, Environment and Transportation Engineering, 2012. 1125-1128. (Corresponding author).
55. Zhang, , C Ma, W Chen, S Zhan, J Li, Q He, F Xu. Safety management standard evaluation system for port based on AHP. Proceedings of International Conference on Remote Sensing, Environment and Transportation Engineering, Jun. 2012. 2425-2428.
56. Zhang, X., C Ma, S Zhan, Y Liu. The Machinery Safety Standardization Evaluation System for Port Based on Remote Expert Consultation System. Proceedings of International Conference on Remote Sensing, Environment and Transportation Engineering, Jun. 2012. 3061-3064.
57. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, Y Li. Application of multiple indicators in environment evaluation of coastal restoration engineering: a case study in Bohai Bay in China. Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture and Building Materials. May 2012. P2228. (Corresponding author).
58. Zhang, X., C Ma, S Zhan, L Lu. Planning and construction of eco-city: theory application and case study. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture and Building Materials. May 2012. 2408.
59. Ma, C., H Li, M Ju, X Zhang, X Mo. Research trends of ecological restoration: new opportunities to match new changes. Proceeding of International Conference on Energy and Environmental Science, Oct.2011. P 3017-3024 (Corresponding author).
60. Ma, C., G Zhang, B Zhou, X Zhang, H Li. Application of Geographical Information Systems and Information Systems in wetland conservation and management in China. Proceedings of the International Conference on Energy and Environmental Science, 2011. P 3025-3032 (Corresponding author).
61. Zhang, , C Ma, S Zhan, W Chen. Assessing powder emission risk on large open-air yard of coal energy. Proceedings of the International Conference on Energy and Environmental Science, Oct.2011. P 3047-3053.
62. Zhan, S., C Ma, X Zhang, W Chen, Q He. Evaluating dust emission risk for coal energy handling of large stacker on wind tunnel. Proceedings of the International Conference on Energy and Environmental Science, Oct. 2011. P3054-3059 (Corresponding author).
63. Ma, C., G Zhang, X Zhang, X Li, X Liu. Ecological water requirement for wetland restoration and management. Proceeding of 2011 World Congress on Engineering and Technology, Oct. 2011. P595-598 (Corresponding author).
64. Zhang, X., S Zhan, S Peng. Green port development and the effective integration of environment and economy. Proceeding of the Global Chinese Scientists Environmental Protection Forum, Feb. 2010. 1441-1444.
65. Zhan, S., J Bai, C Ma, X Zhang, S Peng. Computing dust for environmental engineering of large stacker operation based on wind tunnel experiment. Proceeding of International Conference on Environmental and Computer Science, 2010, 5: 217-219 (Corresponding author).
66. Zhang, , S Zhan, S Peng, C Ma. Urban environmental pollution and control strategies in China, 31 provincial capitals as case study. Proceeding of Conference on Urban Environmental Pollution 2010: Overcoming Obstacles to Sustainability and Quality of Life, Jun.2010. P2.92.
67. Zhan, S., X Zhang, N Hong. Wind tunnel simulation of particulate matter pollution from large bulk ports. Proceeding of the 14th National Conference on Wind Engineering Technology, 2009, 818 – 822 (Corresponding Author).
68. Ma, C., W Meng, M Ju, H Li, X Zhang. Dynamic assessment of China’s sustainable development during 1997-2006. Proceeding of 2008 China Society of Natural Resources Conference,2008.
69. Ma, C., H Li, W Meng, X Zhang, L Zhang. Countermeasures for protection and utilization of wetland in coastal region of Tianjin on the basis of sustainable landscape design. Proceeding of the 3rd Eco Summit 2007 Ecological Complexity and Sustainable Development, May 2007.
70. Zhang, X. Current status and management strategies of Hunshandake Sandy Land. Proceeding of Challenge Cup National Science and Technology Competition Winners, 2002.