Have you ever looked up at the sky (or a satellite image of clouds) and wondered about what they meant for the weather in the next hour or day? How do they even exist in the first place? And why is upstate New York so cloudy, especially in the winter? This course provides a broad introduction to clouds and will address questions like these. We’ll discuss how clouds form and grow and how to classify cloud types (featuring cloud photos taken at Cornell!). We’ll explore some particular and unique patterns clouds can exhibit, looking from the ground up and from far above via satellite imagery and animations. Some other topics include how cloud cover varies in different seasons and regions, their crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate, and challenges of modeling and forecasting clouds.

Severe thunderstorms are common and potentially dangerous weather occurrences over much of the US, including the Northeast. Such storms pose a variety of hazards, including flash floods, damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. Students will learn about the basic science behind thunderstorms and the hazards they pose. The course will also introduce students to resources for monitoring potential storms and their hazards, including outlooks, watches, and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Students will also learn where to find and how to interpret weather radar images, and what actions to take when severe weather strikes. Examples from previous severe thunderstorm and tornado events, including the Northeast, will be shown.

Severe thunderstorms are common and potentially dangerous weather occurrences over much of the US, including the Northeast. Such storms pose a variety of hazards, including flash floods, damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. Students will learn about the basic science behind thunderstorms and the hazards they pose. The course will also include helpful resources to monitor potential storms and their hazards, including outlooks, watches, and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Information on radar imagery interpretation and relevant weather safety actions will be discussed. Examples from previous severe thunderstorm and tornado events, including within the Northeast, will be shown.