PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Storm Forecasting and Observation Program (Storm Chasing Program) is designed to teach students how to observe the atmosphere and predict changes in the weather by applying their classroom learning to the forecasting and observation of actual storms. The program is scheduled to run near the climatological peak for tornado occurrences in the United States.

The true laboratory for a meteorologist is not inside a building but outside in the free air of the atmosphere. Fundamentals can be taught in the classroom, but to truly understand the atmosphere and attempt to predict its changes requires that students observe the weather.

The first week of this 3-week program will take place at SUNY Oswego, where students will learn in depth the mechanisms behind thunderstorm formation and the severe weather that can accompany them (straight-line winds, large hail, and/or tornadoes). They will also study the latest forecasting techniques used by meteorologists to warn people of hazardous weather. Case studies will be examined, such as the May 3, 1999 tornado outbreak in Oklahoma and Kansas, in order to train students how to analyze weather data using tools such as radar interpretation and sounding analysis.

07' Storm Forecast Group

Program participants will then drive to the Central Plains States (Tornado Alley) in order to forecast and observe actual storms. Each morning, students will analyze real-time data, produce forecasts, discuss their forecasts, and depart to the target area (where it is believed that severe thunderstorms will develop). At the end of the chase day, participants will compare what was observed to their forecasts. This is when the real learning will occur!

The program will culminate with a final wrap-up session on the SUNY Oswego campus where students and faculty will review and discuss their experiences. Successful completion of the program will earn three undergraduate college credits. A non-credit option is also available.

PREREQUISITES

The program is designed for individuals with at least two years of college experience. A competitive application and interview process will be used to select the participants.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Scott M. Steiger
Assistant Professor of Meteorology, Department of Earth Science
State University of New York at Oswego

Professor Steiger has studied thunderstorms observationally for over five years. He was co-coordinator of the Texas A&M Mobile Severe Storms Data Acquisition group while a graduate student at Texas A&M University. Scott chased storms for research and recreational purposes every season while attending Texas A&M and has also worked for both a private storm-chasing company and a college storm-chasing program. He has been an active member of the American Meteorological Society and American Geophysical Union for many years. Scott has taught courses on mesometeorology, which includes the study of thunderstorms and the severe weather they can produce, both at Texas A&M and SUNY Oswego. His research interests include the short-term forecasting of severe local storms using radar and lightning data. He also is an avid weather photographer (lightning, tornadoes). He is looking forward to sharing his in-depth knowledge and experience with students in the best way he knows possible – by going outside!

PROGRAM FEES

• Undergraduate In-State Students (for credit): TBA
• Undergraduate Out-of-State Students (for credit): TBA
• Graduate In-State Students (for credit): TBA
• Graduate Out-of-State Students (for credit): TBA
• Non-Credit Participants (Certificate of Completion): TBA

REGISTRATION

We are pleased that you are interested in SUNY Oswego Storm Forecasting and Observation program. To apply to the program, a downloadable form will be available. Simply bring, fax, or mail the forms to the address below.

To complete all four parts of the upcoming Hollywood P.O.V. downloadable application, you will need Adobe© Acrobat Reader (or other PDF reader application). To download the free Adobe Reader visit www.adobe.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For application forms or additional information, please contact:

Continuing Education & Summer Sessions
166 Campus Center
SUNY Oswego
Oswego, New York 13126
315.312.2270
summer@oswego.edu

DISABILITY STATEMENT

If you have a disabling condition that may interfere with your ability to successfully complete this program, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 183 Campus Center, 315.312.3358.