Hu is a meteorologist and oceanographer who studies the interplay between variables such as climate, ocean circulation, and sea ice. Some of his recent research looks at how Greenland's melting ice sheets are projected to significantly raise sea levels along the northeast coast of North America, with potential impacts for Canadian and northeastern American cities. Hu also studies the Atlantic's meridional overturning circulation, which transports heat from the tropics and moderates the climate of northern Europe. He works in NCAR's Climate and Global Dynamics Division.