Well, it's really springtime in Mississippi now. I almost want to have an umbrella when I'm in the yard to keep the pollen from falling down on me. Of course, that wouldn't keep it out of my nose. Luckily it's not bothering me nearly so bad as it's bothering my children. After running around outside, they come inside looking for Kleenex to wipe their sniffly noses. Over the weekend their allergies were bad enough at night to significantly cut into my sleep.
One factor in the pollen problem is the fact that we haven't had significant rain in several days. Air quality and pollen levels normally improve after rain, due to the "scavenging" effect of the raindrops in removing aerosols from the atmosphere. Of course, the moist conditions can also help to trigger the release of more pollen. A big obstacle to better coordination in research, understanding, and forecasting of health impacts from weather is that we have very little idea what is floating around out there on any given day, especially for global transport. It is fairly well established that a significant proportion of aerosols are biogenic, such as pollen. But it is still quite difficult to routinely collect and identify them.
And we really don't know how large of an impact biogenic aerosols may have on the weather and climate. Potential direct impacts could include nucleation of cloud droplets and radiative interactions. Some of the issues involved were discussed in a 2005 article in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. The role of aerosols is also summarized in this NASA brochure. Or you can check out the slightly sensationalized article "Airborne Dandruff Can Turn On Rain" from Australia.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Satellite Imagery Today
There was a good example of marine fog confined by topography today along the Pacific Coast from San Diego into Baja California:
And here's some lake ice up in the Great Lakes area:
Finally, there was a good example of upslope stratus in southern New Mexico. A shallow cold front pushed relatively cool, moist air up the eastern slopes of the Capitan Mts., Sacramento Mts., and Guadalupe Ridge:
And here's some lake ice up in the Great Lakes area:
Finally, there was a good example of upslope stratus in southern New Mexico. A shallow cold front pushed relatively cool, moist air up the eastern slopes of the Capitan Mts., Sacramento Mts., and Guadalupe Ridge:
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Science Fair season
Today and tomorrow the Mississippi Region II Intel Science Fair is being judged here at JSU. Over 1500 students are participating this year. Several entries this year relate to atmospheric sciences. Judges were reminded this morning by Dr. Mark Hardy (Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology) of the declining interest among American students in scientific careers and the potential role of science fairs for building students' enthusiasm for science. Also, the regional fair gives a rare opportunity for so many pre-college students to get a glimpse of the university.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Springtime Up North and Lake Fluctuations
Looks like folks up in Minnesota will be getting some more spring snow.
On the other hand, the closed basin of Devils Lake in North Dakota is dealing with a long-term rise in lake levels. Such endorheic (closed-basin) lakes are particularly hard to deal with during climate fluctuations since there is no outlet for water during unusually wet years. Other notable examples in the United States are the Great Salt Lake in Utah, which reached its highest observed level in 1987; and the Salton Sea in California, which was much larger hundred of years ago but basically dry during the 1800s. Even in the case of the naturally exorheic Great Lakes, water levels can fluctuate by several feet.
On the other hand, the closed basin of Devils Lake in North Dakota is dealing with a long-term rise in lake levels. Such endorheic (closed-basin) lakes are particularly hard to deal with during climate fluctuations since there is no outlet for water during unusually wet years. Other notable examples in the United States are the Great Salt Lake in Utah, which reached its highest observed level in 1987; and the Salton Sea in California, which was much larger hundred of years ago but basically dry during the 1800s. Even in the case of the naturally exorheic Great Lakes, water levels can fluctuate by several feet.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Spring Flooding
Major flooding in Arkansas over the past few days will contribute to moderate flooding on much of the lower Mississippi River.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Recent weather of interest
The biggest weather story over the weekend was probably the tornado that ripped through downtown Atlanta. In other news though, there have been significant weather problems in the Southwest, including whiteout conditions in Northern Arizona.
A bit farther away, the folks in Britain are also getting hit hard by a major winter storm system. Then there's the tornado that was reported in the Philippines. And down in southern Africa, they're dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Cylone Jokwe, which hit northern Mozambique over a week ago. If that's not far enough away for you, then consider the massive storm recently observed near the south pole of Venus.
A bit farther away, the folks in Britain are also getting hit hard by a major winter storm system. Then there's the tornado that was reported in the Philippines. And down in southern Africa, they're dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Cylone Jokwe, which hit northern Mozambique over a week ago. If that's not far enough away for you, then consider the massive storm recently observed near the south pole of Venus.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Spring Break!
Well, Spring Break 2008 has now begun, for JSU and for most other students as well. Although the stereotype is that all college students go to party at an exotic beach during the Break, economics and family ties result in a lot of folks just relaxing at home for a week. Wherever you are though, it must be considered that the weather can be pretty fickle in March. Those of us that are starting to (reluctantly?) get older can think back to the Spring Break chaos of the "Storm of the Century" in 1993. In that case, different parts of the country were hit with tornadoes, storm surge, and blizzard conditions all from the same system. In all, about 270 people were killed and as much as $10 billion in property damage was sustained. It was also one of the greatest successes of modern numerical weather prediction.
Although it's probably too late to get in on it now, some "weather geeks" might like to spend their Spring Break storm chasing out on the Great Plains. Fun stuff, possibly. Or boring, if nothing happens. In any case, the excitement of a powerful storm is never an excuse for ignoring the suffering of storm victims. Most recently, let's not forget the devastation from the F4 tornado that hit Jackson, TN on Feb. 5.
Of course, even if you are on the beach in Cancun and the weather turns out gorgeous, you still need to be careful. Besides opportunities to indulge in immorality that can put your life on a fast track to disaster, you shouldn't forget that too much solar radiation can be a very bad thing. In particular, it's the ultraviolet (UV) radiation that gives sunburns, contributes to skin cancers, and can harm your eyes. Just think how bad it could be if we didn't have ozone in the stratosphere to absorb over 98% of the ultraviolet radiation before it can reach the earth's surface! Protect yourself with lots of high SPF sunscreen, and not leaving a lot of exposed skin when the sun is highest in the sky.
And don't forget to come back to class after the Break.
Although it's probably too late to get in on it now, some "weather geeks" might like to spend their Spring Break storm chasing out on the Great Plains. Fun stuff, possibly. Or boring, if nothing happens. In any case, the excitement of a powerful storm is never an excuse for ignoring the suffering of storm victims. Most recently, let's not forget the devastation from the F4 tornado that hit Jackson, TN on Feb. 5.
Of course, even if you are on the beach in Cancun and the weather turns out gorgeous, you still need to be careful. Besides opportunities to indulge in immorality that can put your life on a fast track to disaster, you shouldn't forget that too much solar radiation can be a very bad thing. In particular, it's the ultraviolet (UV) radiation that gives sunburns, contributes to skin cancers, and can harm your eyes. Just think how bad it could be if we didn't have ozone in the stratosphere to absorb over 98% of the ultraviolet radiation before it can reach the earth's surface! Protect yourself with lots of high SPF sunscreen, and not leaving a lot of exposed skin when the sun is highest in the sky.
And don't forget to come back to class after the Break.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Weather Camp 2008
After skipping last year since I was out of state, we are now making plans to host JSU's summer Weather Camp again. The dates have been set for June 2-6, and applications are requested from interested high school age students. This educational day camp is sponsored by the NOAA Center for Atmospheric Studies, of which Jackson State is a part. The selected students will receive a modest stipend upon completion.
So what do we do during a Weather Camp? Besides interactive learning about weather and the atmosphere, there are field trips to weather observing sites, the National Weather Service office, a television studio, etc. Participants also prepare a short presentation on a topic of interest to them.
Do you know of a youth who has an interest in weather and climate? Encourage them to apply today! We plan to accept applications through the end of April. Information and application guidelines will be posted on the website. Any questions?
So what do we do during a Weather Camp? Besides interactive learning about weather and the atmosphere, there are field trips to weather observing sites, the National Weather Service office, a television studio, etc. Participants also prepare a short presentation on a topic of interest to them.
Do you know of a youth who has an interest in weather and climate? Encourage them to apply today! We plan to accept applications through the end of April. Information and application guidelines will be posted on the website. Any questions?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A Snowy Winter
On March 9, Central Mississippi saw snow for the second time this year. Unlike the January event, this time the snowfall was concentrated in Northwest Mississippi, mostly in the Delta. The best summary of this late snow event is on the website of the Jackson NWS Weather Forecast Office (WFO).
So what does it take to get snow in Mississippi? Most of the significant events tend to be associated with Gulf lows that intensify in the western Gulf of Mexico, tracking up towards the Mobile area. If a cold enough deep layer of air is over the Southern Plains and everything works out just right, it can interact with the Gulf of Mexico moisture to produce some frozen precipitation. The positioning of the Gulf low is crucial in order to provide advection of cold air from the northwest, as well as some overrunning or wrap-around Gulf moisture. Making sure that the winter storm is a snow storm, instead of freezing rain or sleet, depends a lot on the thermodynamic/temperature profile in the lower troposphere and the cloud physics.
It's been a snowy winter up north as well. The same storm that brought snow to Mississippi also brokes some records up in Ohio. Seasonal accumulations have been especially extreme in much of Eastern Canada. In Quebec, they're even starting to get violent about it. Look at how deep the snow has gotten in New Brunswick!
So what does it take to get snow in Mississippi? Most of the significant events tend to be associated with Gulf lows that intensify in the western Gulf of Mexico, tracking up towards the Mobile area. If a cold enough deep layer of air is over the Southern Plains and everything works out just right, it can interact with the Gulf of Mexico moisture to produce some frozen precipitation. The positioning of the Gulf low is crucial in order to provide advection of cold air from the northwest, as well as some overrunning or wrap-around Gulf moisture. Making sure that the winter storm is a snow storm, instead of freezing rain or sleet, depends a lot on the thermodynamic/temperature profile in the lower troposphere and the cloud physics.
It's been a snowy winter up north as well. The same storm that brought snow to Mississippi also brokes some records up in Ohio. Seasonal accumulations have been especially extreme in much of Eastern Canada. In Quebec, they're even starting to get violent about it. Look at how deep the snow has gotten in New Brunswick!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Welcome to DoWaC!
The weather's fine, spring is in the air, and mid-terms are past again. It's a great time to start a new blog. While I'm hoping this will especially be a useful forum for my Meteorology students here at Jackson State University, I intend to use it for discussion of a wide variety of topics relating to weather and climate. Suggestions are of course welcome. We may try to do different themes according to the day of the week, depending how the flow goes.
Some posts will be specifically designed to relate to current class topics. Others will deal with current weather events, online resources (including other blogs), research topics, professional development, weather/climate impacts, etc. Of course, I'll be a lot more motivated to develop the blog if I get good participation via comments.
If you are not a JSU Meteorology major, then come on in anyway! The broader the base of discussion, the better the blog will be. I would of course ask that the discussion be kept civil, positive, and reasonably close to the topic. It would also be nice if everyone could double-check their comments for correct spelling and grammar before publishing. When posting for the first time, please try to give clarification whether you are a JSU student, atmospheric science professional, general public, or whatever.
Now, about the JSU Meteorology Program. We are a small (3 faculty) program granting Bachelor of Science degrees in Meteorology. Currently JSU is the only historically black college/university (HBCU) offering a B.S. in Meteorology. So yes, we do think we're kinda special. And we like to think that each of our students is special.
Some posts will be specifically designed to relate to current class topics. Others will deal with current weather events, online resources (including other blogs), research topics, professional development, weather/climate impacts, etc. Of course, I'll be a lot more motivated to develop the blog if I get good participation via comments.
If you are not a JSU Meteorology major, then come on in anyway! The broader the base of discussion, the better the blog will be. I would of course ask that the discussion be kept civil, positive, and reasonably close to the topic. It would also be nice if everyone could double-check their comments for correct spelling and grammar before publishing. When posting for the first time, please try to give clarification whether you are a JSU student, atmospheric science professional, general public, or whatever.
Now, about the JSU Meteorology Program. We are a small (3 faculty) program granting Bachelor of Science degrees in Meteorology. Currently JSU is the only historically black college/university (HBCU) offering a B.S. in Meteorology. So yes, we do think we're kinda special. And we like to think that each of our students is special.
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