Atmospheric Jet Streams

Position Description: Jet streams are narrow and elongated air currents in the atmosphere that frequently reach speeds of 100-200 mph. To a large extent, they control the weather and regional climate, at times causing droughts like those responsible for the Dust Bowl, other times triggering widespread floods as have been seen recently in the Midwest, other times complicating hurricane forecasts by abruptly changing their path, other times yet setting off cold snaps or heat waves that impact millions.

The student(s) will perform quality control of the output of an innovative jet stream tracking algorithm that is being developed in the Linz group. A central task will involve the visual review and classification/annotation of image files that depict the position of the jet stream. The student(s)' work will be used to improve the performance and the accuracy of the algorithm.

Project Dates: August 1-19, 2022

Number of Available Positions: 1-2

Location: In-person

Pay Rate: $700 stipend at completion of program

Qualifications/Requirements:

• No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary

• Computer and internet connection required

Project host requests that the student participate in lab group meetings and department seminars.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preference will be given to freshman and sophomore students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.