As has become a custom, students in the Department of Atmospheric Science at SDSM&T were able to visit the Doppler radar tower near New Underwood, SD. All photos © John Hamilton, ATM MS student.
The Doppler radar tower is used to detect the location and intensity of approaching storms. Radio waves emitted from the antenna are reflected back to the antenna based on objects encountered, such as raindrops, snow crystals, and hailstones. The radar equipment detects the frequency change in these waves, and its computer then uses this information to detect direction and speed of the wind near these storms. Meteorologists use these pictures of the storms and wind motions to predict what is occurring and what might be expected to happen within a short time.
Dr. French and his class have a question and answer session with Mr. Pat Baye, National Weather Service Electronics Systems Analyst.

Page posted 4/2/2012

MS Student is Avid Photographer

In addition to studying meteorology and being an avid storm chaser, Christopher Redmond, M.S.-degree student at South Dakota School of Mines, is an avid photographer. Check out his blog at: http://chip-redmond.blogspot.com.

Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Sciences (B.S.I.S.) degree program may choose to concentrate in the atmospheric sciences. The atmospheric sciences specialization is designed for students whose career goal is meteorology or atmospheric research. Working with faculty from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, students can take coursework to satisfy federal guidelines (e.g., for the National Weather Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Geological Survey) for the title of meteorologist. This specialization also serves as excellent preparation for graduate study in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, and adjacent fields.

The program leading to the M.S. degree in meteorology was initiated by the School of Mines in the fall of 1966. The Ph.D. program in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences was established in 2005. Students in these programs make important contributions to the department's research activities as Graduate Research Assistants.

Page updated 4/2/2012

• Overview

• Master of Science Degree

• AES PhD Degree

• Application for Graduate Admission

• Undergraduate Degree Options

• Atmospheric Science Course Descriptions

• Department of Atmospheric Sciences Faculty

• Department Phone Book

• List of courses available - classes are taught on a 2-year rotation. Use this link to find the schedule of classes offered (PDF file)

What is Atmospheric Science?

A Guide for the Prospective Student