Dr. Layton's research involves novel algorithms, models and analysis aiming to understand fluid motion. For example, one central challenge is in modeling the large eddies (such as storm fronts, hurricanes and tornadoes in the atmosphere) in turbulent flow, predicting their motion in computational experiments and validating mathematically the large eddy models and algorithms developed. Other current challenges in his research are to develop new mathematical tools (algorithms with theory) for studying flow and contaminant transport between surface and ground water and in coupling atmosphere models and ocean models in climate studies.