CCAMS Research

CCAMS Students and EAS Faculty members are participating in several large ongoing research projects. This information is just preliminary-- more info on these is coming soon. If you are part of a EAS research project and would like to be added to this list, please use the feedback form.

Weather In The Classroom
Contact: Mark Wysocki
Description: The students are developing weather modules illustrating basic concepts of physic and chemistry applied to meteorological phenomena. These modules would include subjects such as:

A field trip to the Game Farm Weather Station (operated and maintained by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department at Cornell University) will be included for the elementary school students so they can observe how specific instruments are used to record meteorological data and how to properly site weather instruments.

A History Of Extreme Weather Events As Told By Tompkins County Residents
Contact: Mark Wysocki, Stephanie Contino
Description: This project will utilize quantitative and descriptive data, to present a complete picture of how weather can affect a community. Historical weather data (maps and images) will be obtained from the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at Cornell University and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, NC.. Corresponding hourly surface weather reports will be obtained from the Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC) which is affiliated with the Department of EAS. Personal accounts will be obtained from interviews conducted by students from volunteers living at the Reconstruction Home in Ithaca, NY. Additional information will be gathered from local newspaper accounts of specific events. All this information would then be used to write an in depth history of a storm combining the meteorological development and the impact that the storm had on individuals.

Hawk Research
Contact: Mark Wysocki
Description: A group studying the migration of hawks up and down the east coast is now looking for information about weather patterns during the years of their observations to determine if they have any impact on the migration of the birds, and whether a change in climate may have an impact on hawk migration. Talk to Wysocki if you are interested in this project.

Lake Effect Snow in the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York
Contact: Steve Jessup, Nick Chmura, Mark Wysocki
Description: Lake effect snow events occurring in the vicinity of the Finger Lakes during the winter of 2002-2003 are examined through surface and thermodynamic analyses. The goals of this work are to identify significant surface and upper air parameters and their values as a precursor to formation. Preliminary results indicate a local forcing mechanism, and an area of convergence on the Ontario lowlands are the prime mechanisms responsible for the development of Finger Lakes snows.