Course Description A graduate survey of synoptic, mesoscale, and microscale meteorology in complex terrain including orographically modified cyclone evolution, front-mountain interactions, dynamically and thermally driven flows, and orographic precipitation. In addition to classroom-based learning activities, the course includes an immersive field experience in mountain meteorology at Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL)Links to an external site., a mountaintop atmospheric science facility operated by the University of Utah in the Park Range above Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Learning Objectives At the end of this course, students will: (1) possess foundational knowledge of the influence of complex terrain on the atmosphere from the synoptic scale to the boundary layer, (2) be able to utilize and critically evaluate scientific literature applicable to research in mountain meteorology and related environmental fields, and (3) have experience planning and executing field campaigns in mountainous regions, including instrument operations.
Credits 3
Meeting Times and Locations Two classes per week (2:00-3:20 PM T/Th in 110 INSCC) with field activities at SPL from 19–23 September. Classes will be either in person or online, but there will be no hybrid class offerings (i.e., simultaneously in person and online) and in-person classes will not be recorded. Support for up to 15 students to travel to SPL will be provided by the National Science Foundation. Accommodations will be made for students unable to travel to SPL.
Text Mountain Weather Research and Forecasting, F. Chow et al. (eds.), which is available electronicallyLinks to an external site. and freely accessible campus wide or off campus through the Marriott Library with your University of Utah user account. Additional readings will be assigned from freely available peer-reviewed literature.
Office Hours I don't get much traffic if I schedule office hours. Just contact me if you need me! I'm also in suite 480 INSCC, office 488 INSCC a lot during the semester.
Grading This course is for self-motivated, fully engaged graduate students. I expect students to miss no more than 2 classes, read assigned materials prior to class, drink from the fountain of knowledge during class activities, contribute enthusiastically to discussions and field-activity planning and execution, and give high-quality presentations.
Grades are based 20% on in-class participation, 20% on an oral presentation on contemporary topics in mountain meteorology, 20% on the written field-program proposals for Storm Peak Laboratory, 20% on contributions to the field program, and 20% on the final field-program presentation. Information on the grading of presentations is availablehereLinks to an external site..
How to Succeed in this Class Complete assigned readings before each class, participate with enthusiasm, and pursue field activities and presentations with zeal. No tricks. Motivated students learn a lot in this class. Unmotivated will learn little.
Student Presentations Each student will give an oral presentation on a contemporary topic in mountain meteorology. Depending on enrollment, class may be extended on these days. Each presentation should be 15 minutes in length and can be a traditional conference-style presentation (e.g., intro, data and methods, results, conclusions), a summary of case studies or literature reviews, or a discussion of recent advances or unsolved problems or paradoxes in the topic area. Students will select topic areas in consultation with Jim early in the semester.
Storm Peak Lab Field Experience From 19–23 September, we will travel to and participate in a mountain meteorology field experience at SPL. During the class session on August 25, Dr. Gannet Hallar will be giving an introduction to SPL and its available instrumentation. You will then form groups of 3-5 students and prepare short proposals for field activities that could be executed at SPL. Initial SPL field-activity groups and concepts are due on 6 September and field activity proposals are due on 13 September. We review field activities, logistics, and safety during our scheduled class on 15 September. Complete information concerning the Storm Peak Lab Field Experience, including forms that must be completed and submitted by 2 September, is available hereLinks to an external site..
Possibilities for field project activities include but are not limited to the use of the:
University of Utah scanning wind lidar to examine valley or slope flows in the Steamboat area
University of Utah micro rain radar (MRR) to examine the vertical structure of precipitation systems
SPL aerosol instrumentation to examine temporal variations in aerosol characteristics and their relationship to local and regional emission sources, mountain weather, and transport processes
SPL trace-gas instrumentation to examine temporal variations in trace-gas characteristics and their relationship to local and regional emission sources, mountain weather, and transport processes
Mobile weather instruments to examine boundary layer and near-surface weather characteristics and variations at SPL or in the Steamboat region
Written proposals should be brief (2-3 pages single spaced including figures) and describe the (1) background and motivation for the research topic, (2) objectives, and (3) deployment plans (i.e., when and where will the data be collected at SPL or elsewhere).
SPL field analysis presentations presented later in the semester should follow the format described in theStudent Presentationssection above, but will be given by each group rather than individuals.
Guidelines and Expectations University policies and expectations are summarized below. I will simply add here that I expect you to be engaged during class meetings, participate in learning activities, collaborate with your classmates, read assignments before class, and complete presentations and other class assignments on time. Discussions are strongly encouraged, but should be civil and respectful. Plagiarism, cheating, harassment, and other forms of misconduct will not be tolerated.
Your Well Being Please feel welcome to reach out to me with concerns or issues with your coursework or education. For helpful resources for managing your wellness and counseling options, see the Wellness at the U tab below or Megan Wolfe, College of Science therapist, at mwolfe@sa.utah.edu.
Americans with Disabilities Act The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations for the class, please see the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) information below and make arrangements for accommodations.
Adjustments This syllabus is meant to serve as an outline and guide for our course. Please note that I may modify it with reasonable notice to you. I may also modify the course schedule to accommodate the needs of our class. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on Canvas under Announcements.
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