Instructor
Jim Steenburgh
Professor
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
jim.steenburgh@utah.edu
https://www.inscc.utah.edu/~steenburgh/home/
@ProfessorPowder
https://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com/
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), 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 electronically 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 available here.
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 here.
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 the Student Presentations section 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.
CMES Student Guidelines
Additional information concerning heath services, counseling, student support, adding/dropping classes, academic advising, etc., is available in this College of Mines and Earth Sciences document.
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.
University Policies
COVID-19 Campus Guidelines
Drop/Withdrawal Policies
Students may drop a course within the first two weeks of a given semester without any penalties.
Students may officially withdraw (W) from a class or all classes after the drop deadline through the midpoint of a course. A “W” grade is recorded on the transcript and appropriate tuition/fees are assessed. The grade “W” is not used in calculating the student’s GPA.
For deadlines to withdraw from full-term, first, and second session classes, see the U's Academic Calendar.
Plagiarism and Cheating
It is assumed that all work submitted to your instructor is your own work. When you have used the ideas of others, you must properly indicate that you have done so.
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on an individual assignment, and/or failure in the course. Academic misconduct, according to the University of Utah Student Code,
“...Includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresenting one’s work, inappropriately collaborating, plagiarism, and fabrication or falsification of information…It also includes facilitating academic misconduct by intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic misconduct.”
For details on plagiarism and other important course conduct issues, see the U's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Course Materials Copyright
The Content is made available only for your personal, noncommercial educational, and scholarly use. You may not use the Content for any other purpose, or distribute, post or make the Content available to others unless you obtain any required permission from the copyright holder. Some Content may be provided via streaming or other means that restrict copying; you may not circumvent those restrictions. You may not alter or remove any copyright or other proprietary notices included in the Content.
Please see the
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Section III.A.5 regarding the
use and distribution of class Content and materials. Section III.A.5. prohibits the following:
Sale or distribution of information representing the work product of a faculty member to a commercial entity for financial gain without the express written permission of the faculty member responsible for the course. (“Work product” means original works of authorship that have been fixed in a tangible medium and any works based upon and derived from the original work of authorship.)
Safety at the U
The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message.
For more safety information and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit safeu.utah.edu (Links to an external site.).
To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort, contact:
Campus Police & Department of Public Safety
801-585-COPS (801-585-2677)
dps.utah.edu
1735 E. S. Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Wellness at the U
Your personal health and wellness are essential to your success as a student. Personal concerns like stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, or cross-cultural differences can interfere with a student’s ability to succeed and thrive in this course and at the University of Utah.
Please feel welcome to reach out to your instructor or TA to handle issues regarding your coursework.
For helpful resources to manage your personal wellness and counseling options, contact:
Center for Student Wellness
801-581-7776
wellness.utah.edu
2100 Eccles Student Life Center
1836 Student Life Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Women's Resource Center
801-581-8030
womenscenter.utah.edu
411 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Addressing Sexual Misconduct
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender (which includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression) is a civil rights offense subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, color, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information.
If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you are encouraged to report it to university officials:
Title IX Coordinator & Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
801-581-8365
oeo.utah.edu
135 Park Building
201 Presidents' Cir.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Office of the Dean of Students
801-581-7066
deanofstudents.utah.edu
270 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
To file a police report, contact:
Campus Police & Department of Public Safety
801-585-COPS (801-585-2677)
dps.utah.edu
1735 E. S. Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
If you do not feel comfortable reporting to authorities, the U's Victim-Survivor Advocates provide free, confidential, and trauma-informed support services to students, faculty, and staff who have experienced interpersonal violence.
To privately explore options and resources available to you with an advocate, contact:
Center for Student Wellness
801-581-7776
wellness.utah.edu
328 Student Services Building
201 S. 1460 E.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities.
All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability & Access (CDA). CDA will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. Prior notice is appreciated. To read the full accommodations policy for the University of Utah, please see Section Q of the Instruction & Evaluation regulations.
If you will need accommodations in this class, or for more information about what support they provide, contact:
Center for Disability & Access
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu
162 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Diverse Student Support
Your success at the University of Utah is important to all of us here! If you feel like you need extra support in academics, overcoming personal difficulties, or finding community, the U is here for you.
Student Support Services (TRIO)
TRIO federal programs are targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.
Student Support Services (SSS) is a TRIO program for current or incoming undergraduate university students who are seeking their first bachelor's degree and need academic assistance and other services to be successful at the University of Utah.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Student Support Services (TRIO)
801-581-7188
trio.utah.edu
Room 2075
1901 E. S. Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
American Indian Students
The AIRC works to increase American Indian student visibility and success on campus by advocating for and providing student-centered programs and tools to enhance academic success, cultural events to promote personal well-being, and a supportive “home-away-from-home” space for students to grow and develop leadership skills.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
American Indian Resource Center
801-581-7019
diversity.utah.edu/centers/airc
Fort Douglas Building 622
1925 De Trobriand St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
Black Students
Using a pan-African lens, the Black Cultural Center seeks to counteract persistent campus-wide and global anti-blackness. The Black Cultural Center works to holistically enrich, educate, and advocate for students, faculty, and staff through Black-centered programming, culturally affirming educational initiatives, and retention strategies.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Black Cultural Center
801-213-1441
diversity.utah.edu/centers/bcc
Fort Douglas Building 603
95 Fort Douglas Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
Students with Children
Our mission is to support and coordinate information, program development, and services that enhance family resources as well as the availability, affordability, and quality of child care for University students, faculty, and staff.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Center for Childcare & Family Resources
801-585-5897
childcare.utah.edu
408 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Students With Disabilities
The Center for Disability and Access is dedicated to serving students with disabilities by providing the opportunity for success and equal access at the University of Utah. They also strive to create an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment.
For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Center for Disability and Access
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu
162 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Students of Ethnic Descent
The Center for Ethnic Student Affairs offers several programs dedicated to the success of students with varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Its mission is to create an inclusive, safe campus community that values the experiences of all students.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Center for Ethnic Student Affairs
801-581-8151
diversity.utah.edu/centers/cesa/
235 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
English as a Second/Additional Language (ESL) Students
If you are an English language learner, there are several resources on campus available to help you develop your English writing and language skills. Feel free to contact:
Writing Center
801-587-9122
writingcenter.utah.edu
(Links to an external site.)
2701 Marriott Library
295 S 1500 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
English for Academic Success (EAS) Program
801-581-8047
linguistics.utah.edu
2300 LNCO
255 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
English Language Institute
801-581-4600
continue.utah.edu/eli (Links to an external site.)
540 Arapeen Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Undocumented Students
Immigration is a complex phenomenon with broad impact—those who are directly affected by it and those who are indirectly affected by their relationships with family members, friends, and loved ones. If your immigration status presents obstacles that prevent you from engaging in specific activities or fulfilling specific course criteria, confidential arrangements may be requested from the Dream Center.
Arrangements with the Dream Center will not jeopardize your student status, your financial aid, or any other part of your residence. The Dream Center offers a wide range of resources to support undocumented students (with and without DACA) as well as students from mixed-status families.
For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Dream Center
801-213-3697
dream.utah.edu
(Links to an external site.)
200 S. CENTRAL CAMPUS DRIVE
UNION, ROOM 80
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84112
LGBTQ+ Students
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center acts in accountability with the campus community by identifying the needs of people with a queer range of [a]gender and [a]sexual experiences and responding with university-wide services.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
LGBTQ+ Resource Center
801-587-7973
lgbt.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
409 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Veterans & Military Students
The mission of the Veterans Support Center is to improve and enhance the individual and academic success of veterans, service members, and their family members who attend the university; to help them receive the benefits they earned, and to serve as a liaison between the student veteran community and the university.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Veterans Support Center
801-587-7722
veteranscenter.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
418 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Women
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) at the University of Utah serves as the central resource for educational and support services for women. Honoring the complexities of women’s identities, the WRC facilitates choices and changes through programs, counseling, and training grounded in a commitment to advance social justice and equality.
For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:
Women's Resource Center
801-581-8030
womenscenter.utah.edu
411 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Inclusivity at the U
The Office for Inclusive Excellence is here to engage, support, and advance an environment fostering the values of respect, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and academic excellence for students in our increasingly global campus community. They also handle reports of bias in the classroom as outlined below:
Bias or hate incidents consist of speech, conduct, or some other form of expression or action that is motivated wholly or in part by prejudice or bias whose impact discriminates, demeans, embarrasses, assigns stereotypes, harasses, or excludes individuals because of their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, language, sex, size, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.
For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, or to report a bias incident, view their website or contact:
Office for Inclusive Excellence
801-581-4600
inclusive-excellence.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
200 S. CENTRAL CAMPUS DRIVE
UNION, ROOM 70
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84112
Other Student Groups at the U
To learn more about some of the other resource groups available at the U, check out:
getinvolved.utah.edu/
studentsuccess.utah.edu/resources/student-support