Research conducted at the University of Utah's Department of Atmospheric Sciences focuses on the complex weather and climate processes of the western United States, specifically addressing how regional phenomena like mountain meteorology and Great Salt Lake interactions influence local conditions.
Atmospheric Research Focus
John Horel, Ph.D., a professor within the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, leads research centered on the weather and climate of the western United States. His work encompasses critical areas such as data assimilation, mountain meteorology, fire weather, and studies pertaining to the Great Salt Lake.
Horel is an active participant in the Mountain Meteorology Group within the department. This group conducts a broad program of research dedicated to investigating various weather and climate processes that define the western United States region.
Advancing Weather Observations
A significant portion of current research activities involves the further development of MesoWest. This system provides essential access to surface weather observations for a variety of operational, research, and educational applications.
The data provided by MesoWest observations serves as a foundational element for conducting research aimed at improving data assimilation techniques over complex terrain. This is particularly relevant to the study of mountain meteorology in the region.
National and Local Impacts
Horel's research also involves collaboration with the National Weather Service. This partnership includes efforts to develop a mesoscale Analysis of Record and its prototype, known as the Real Time Mesoscale Analysis.
In addition to large-scale atmospheric analysis, Horel investigates specific local phenomena, such as the impacts of the Great Salt Lake on local wind circulations. His research interests also extend to assessing how global warming may impact snowfall levels within the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah.
Scholarly Contributions
The academic scope of the department includes significant publication history regarding terrain-forced mesoscale circulations and global environmental change. Horel's previous scholarly work includes research on lake-breeze fronts in the Salt Lake Valley, published in 2007, as well as studies on the sensitivity of surface analyses over the western United States to RAWS observations.
His academic contributions also cover the verification of surface temperature forecasts from the National Digital Forecast Database and the use of remote sensing for studying Great Salt Lake and climate/weather/lake interactions.
Educational Programming
Beyond research, the department manages various educational responsibilities. Horel serves as the Undergraduate Career Advisor for Atmospheric Sciences and teaches several specialized courses.
These instructional offerings include ATMOS 1010, which covers severe and unusual weather, as well as advanced topics such as environmental programming (ATMOS 5020), environmental statistics (ATMOS 5040/6040), and environmental instrumentation (ATMOS 5050/6050).
Future Research Directions
The Department of Atmospheric Sciences continues to integrate large-scale regional climate studies with highly localized meteorological research. Through the development of tools like MesoWest and ongoing investigations into the Wasatch Mountains, the department remains central to understanding the evolving weather patterns of the western United States.
