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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

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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!
Student providing personalized weather forecasts for viewers

Weather travel hotline, December 2018

Student providing personalized weather forecasts for viewers

Posing with chief meteorologist, Mike Nelson, in front of the Denver7 green screen

Weather travel hotline, November 2018

Posing with chief meteorologist, Mike Nelson, in front of the Denver7 green screen