Summer Camp on Severe Storms and Monsoon Meteorology—Engaging Students

The summer camp in monsoon meteorology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona is a hands-on experience studying and observing many aspects of the science of meteorology at the peak of Arizona’s active thunderstorm and monsoon season. The pre-college level students participate in cloud experiments, in an activity of “name that cloud", measure solar radiation, issue their own monsoon weather forecasts, launch a radiosonde, attached to a weather balloon and discover the startling impacts of space weather on our highly technological society. They participate in a field trip to chase Northern Arizona’s monsoon thunderstorms, hike an ancient volcano, tour the Flagstaff National Weather Service office and Lowell observatory. The participants work in the ERAU's meteorology lab using interactive graphics along with satellite imagery to understand how the atmosphere works, analyze tornadoes and hurricanes, and interpret weather maps and computer models. The pre-college students live on campus like Embry-Riddle students and explore career possibilities in meteorology and atmospheric sciences, enriching their summer monsoon experience.