FACULTY PROFILE | CLASSES | RESEARCH | WEATHER LINKS | WEATHER SAFETY
Dr. Lerach's Classes
Our meteorology program at UNC is a family. We pride ourselves on providing small
classes, hands-on practical learning activities, and a number of 'out of classroom'
experiences to prepare students for the real world.
ESCI 491: Storm Chasing in the Great Plains (Contemporary Field Issues)
In this course, students predict, observe, and communicate the formation, development, and structure of severe weather phenomena across the U.S. Great Plains.
- Daily applications in the scientific method
- Conduct student-led weather briefings and forecast the atmospheric conditions that produce severe weather
- Collect weather observations in the field
- Report severe storm information to the National Weather Service
- On non-chase days, conduct mini science experiments and visit meteorological sites, such as the National Weather Center and NCAR Wyoming supercomputer
Storm chasing May 2019
Students observing LP supercell thunderstorms in south central North Dakota
Storm chasing May 2018
Students participating in a weather balloon launch in advance of a Nebraska chase day
Storm chasing May 2019
A student collecting weather observations in association with a dying thunderstorm
Storm chasing May 2018
A beautiful low-level mesocyclone and wall cloud protrudes from a multicell thunderstorm cluster
Storm chasing May 2019
Visiting the National Weather Center in Norman, OK on a non-chase day
Storm chasing May 2018
A farm shed destroyed by a tornado. Debris was seen over a mile away from its location
Storm chasing May 2018
Spotting an overturned semi-truck in the aftermath of a tornado.
Storm chasing May 2018
Visiting the NCAR supercomputer in Cheyenne, WY on a non-chase day
MET 462: Extreme Mountain Weather
This course covers the complexities of severe weather in mountain environments, particularly here in Colorado.
- Topics include winter weather and avalanches, extreme wind storms, terrain-induced thunderstorms, and fire weather
- Participate in a weather and snow science field weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park as related to avalanche forecasting
MET 462 Spring 2017
Field instruction in Rocky Mountain National Park
MET 462 Spring 2017
Having some fun assessing snowpack layers
MET 462 Spring 2017
Students performing snow stability tests
MET 462 Spring 2019
Students taking weather measurements in the field
MET 462 Spring 2019
Students performing snow stability tests
Denver7 News!
I take students to Denver7 News (ABC) in November and December each year to run weather travel hotlines for viewers.
- Meet local broadcast meteorologists
- Help members of the public plan their holiday travel
- Practice your weather communication skills
- Be on television!
Weather travel hotline, December 2018
Student providing personalized weather forecasts for viewers
Weather travel hotline, November 2018
Posing with chief meteorologist, Mike Nelson, in front of the Denver7 green screen
