UCAR - University Corporation for Atmospheric Research | Understanding atmosphere, Earth, and Sun

A new look for Center Green

September 22, 2010 | The CG1 beautification project is under way. Inside the construction fence near the building’s entrance are the makings of a 50th anniversary commemorative garden that will include a sun shade, seating areas, and a short path leading to a concrete UCAR star logo on the ground. The first phase of the project, which covers the hardscape portion, is scheduled for completion in mid to late November. FMS plans to temporarily remove the construction fence for the annual UCAR Members’ Meeting on October 5-6.

Weather Trail gets a facelift

September 17, 2010 | About a dozen staff gathered behind the Mesa Lab on September 16 to celebrate the refurbishment of the Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail. The weather made its own appearance in the form of a beautiful fall day. The trail, which opened in 1997, has been outfitted with new interpretative signs that feature revised text and more colorful graphics.

An interview with Michael Thompson, HAO’s new director

September 15, 2010 | Michael Thompson is no stranger to NCAR—he’s been visiting regularly ever since completing a postdoctoral appointment with HAO in 1988–89. He recently left the United Kingdom’s University of Sheffield, where he headed the School of Mathematics and Statistics and was a professor of applied math and solar physics, to take the helm of HAO. He replaces Michael Knölker, who held the position since 1994.

Foothills repaving project delayed until next spring

September 3, 2010 | The repaving project that was on tap this summer for the Foothills Lab parking lot and ring road has been delayed until next spring. In the meantime, FMS is coordinating a patch and repair operation with a paving contractor to fill potholes and address immediate safety concerns. “The patching will be done prior to winter weather and will get us through one more season, until we can start on the larger effort,” says Matt McMullen, director of FMS.

2010: "The Amazing Race"

September 2, 2010 | Some might say that it was even more hardcore than the Up-the-Hill Races. After all, pulling off a proper bump, set, and spike with your co-workers and a beach ball can be more challenging than it looks. With the Mesa Road under construction, participants gathered on August 27 for The Amazing Race, an alternative to the annual Up-the-Hill Races. Afterward, an all-staff photo took place at Foothills Lab, followed by food and music.

NCAR gains three new senior scientists

August 11, 2010 | The UCAR Board of Trustees appointed three new senior scientists in July: Fei Chen, Wen-Chau Lee, and Steve Massie. Senior scientists provide NCAR with long-term scientific leadership. The position is analogous to that of full professor at a tenure-granting university. Selections are based on individual competence in research and activities that enhance NCAR’s interaction with scientists in the broader community.

Climate change at its highest

August 4, 2010 | During the week of June 15–18, more than 70 upper-atmosphere researchers looked back—and up—at the history and current state of research on climate change in the stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere. The week was capped by a daylong symposium on June 19 in honor of HAO’s Ray Roble, who recently retired and is now a senior scientist emeritus.

2010: Cranking up the heat

August 2, 2010 | NCAR’s pinprick of a foothold on the planet, Boulder, experienced a cool and snowy spring, but elsewhere on Earth, the mercury has been startlingly and consistently high during the first half of 2010. Warm temperatures have been present over most of the world, particularly eastern North America, parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, and equatorial Africa. By late June, seven countries in the Middle East and Africa had set new records for their all-time hottest temperatures.

Summer visitors liven things up

August 2, 2010 | It wouldn't be summer without new faces in the hallways and cafeterias. SOARS has 20 students enrolled this summer, working with mentors from across the organization on everything from tropical storms to Arctic sea ice.

Oil, water, and the Loop Current

August 2, 2010 | When Synte Peacock (NESL/CGD) helped design a computer modeling study to simulate the movement of oil from the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico, she thought reporters might be interested. (The study technically simulates dye in place of oil, which undergoes a multitude of biological, chemical, and physical changes as it disperses.) But she had no idea that the resulting simulations would be featured in the national media and attract hundreds of thousands of viewers on YouTube.

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