Atmos 3910: Special Topics
DOW Radar Studies
Fall 2017 Course Description
During November 2017, a Center for Severe Weather Research Doppler on Wheels polarimetric radar will be at the University of Utah for the Outreach and Radar Education in Orography (OREO) field campaign. Atmos 3910 is a 1-credit special topics course for atmospheric sciences undergraduate seniors with a strong interest in radar meteorology, precipitation processes, and field-program research. Students should schedule an appointment and meet with the instructor, Jim Steenburgh, during the first week of the semester to receive an overview of course activities and expectations.
Overview
During the month of November, a Doppler on Wheels (DOW) mobile radar from the Center For Severe Weather Research will be in Salt Lake City. Educational observing periods (EOPs) will be held near campus to introduce students to mobile radar operations, capabilities, and limiations, including siting and scanning strategies. Student-designed Intenstive Observing Periods (IOPs) will investagate precipitation systems in complex terrain and other mountain weather phenomena, providing students with an immersive learning opportunity on radar meteorology in complex terrain. Students enrolled in 3910 will complete online independent study on radar fundementals and attend a lecture series on radar meteorology and orographic precipitation prior to the arrival of the DOW. During November, students will participate in OREO Educational Observing Periods (EOPs) and Intensive Observing Periods (IOPs) involving DOW operations. After these field experiences, they will prepare a summary 5-page final report.
Overview and Learning Objectives
After completion of this course students will be able to: (1) interpret polarimetric Doppler radar imagery of precipitation systems in complex terrain, (2) recognize the capabilities and common limiations of scanning radar imagery in complex terrain, and (3) demonstrate a basic understanding of how to site and design scanning strategies for mobile radar research in complex terrain.
Format
A mixture of online learning modules, classroom lectures and activities, and field-program activities.
Text
None. Online reading as assigned for classroom lectures and activities.
Grading
Online learning modules (15%), lecture series attendance and particpiation (20%), OREO EOP attendance (at least 1, 15%), OREO IOP attendance (at least 2 totalling 5 or more hours, 30%), 5-page double spaced (not including figures) report (20%).
Online Radar Learning Modules
By October 5, students must complete the Weather Radar Fundamentals and Precipitation Estimates, Part I: Measurement modules from the COMET MetEd program. Students should configure their MetEd accounts to send test results directly to jim.steenburgh@utah.edu.
By October 5, students should also complete the following Warning Decision Training Division modules: Introduction, Correlation Coefficient, Differential Reflectivity, Specific Differential Phase, Hydrometeor Classification, Melting Layer, and Quantitative Precipitation Estimation. Students do not need to complete the quizes, but must send Jim an e-mail summarizing what they learned in each module.
Radar and Orographic Precipitation Lecture Series
Students must attend the following lectures on radar and orographic precipitation, completing reading assignments (where applicable) prior to each lecture. THe lectures are from 1:25-2:45 in 820 WBB.
Mon Oct 16: Radar in Complex Terrain (Dave Kingsmill)
Wed Oct 18: Orographic Precipitation I (notes)
Colle et al. 2013
Stoelinga et al. 2013
Houze 2012
Mon Oct 23: Orographic Precipitation II/Cold-Air Damming (notes)
Bell and Bosart 1988
Wed Oct 25: Lake Effect in Complex Terrain I (notes)
Alcott et al. 2012
Alcott and Steenburgh 2013
Mon Oct 30: OREO Discussion
OREO Requirements
By October 21, all students must complete and sign a Liability and Indemnification Agreement and provide the form to Nola Lucke in 484 INSCC. All students must also complete and pass a University of Utah Driver Training Video and Test. If you have done this since December 2015, provide a copy of your certificate to Nola Lucke in 484 INSCC. If you have not done this since December 2015, go to The University of Utah Risk & Insurance Services Web Site, login with your unid and password, click on vehicles and then Driver Training Programs and complete the driver trining video and test. You can either have e-mail of your completion sent to nola.lucke@utah.edu or provide her a copy of the certificate upon completion.
During November, all students must attend and participate in one OREO EOP and two OREO IOPs, the lattering totalling at least five hours. Several EOPs and IOPs will be held at varying times depending on weather. Students should monitor the OREO web site and mailing list and participate as their schedule permits, without skipping classes. Information on the web site and mailing list will be provided in October.
Final Report
The final report is due on December 8 and should summarize your understanding of: (1) the capabilities and limitations of scanning radar imagery in complex terrain, (2) the design of the IOPs the attended, including the scientific objectives, DOW location, and scanning strategy(ies), and (3) the characteristics of precipitation systems observed during the IOPs.
ADA Accomodations
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangement for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.
