Ontario Winter Lake-effect Systems

The OWLeS (Ontario Winter Lake-effect Systems) project examines the formation mechanisms, cloud microphysics, boundary layer processes and dynamics of lake-effect systems (LeS) using new observational tools capable of detailing LeS characteristics not observed in previous LeS field experiments. Lake-effect systems form through surface-air interactions as a cold air mass is advected over relatively warm (at least partially) ice-free mesoscale bodies of water. The OWLeS project focuses on Lake Ontario because of its geometry and size, influence of upstream lakes, frequency of LeS, nearby orography, and proximity to several participating universities with a strong record of undergraduate research. We distinguish between short-fetch LeS (those oriented at large angles to the long axis of the lake) and long-fetch LeS (those more aligned with the lake's long axis). -- (https://www.eol.ucar.edu/field_projects/owles)

I participated on this project as an undergraduate research assistant during the winter of my Junior year. I took on the responsibility of learning the construction and operations of the flux tower which played a pivotal role in collecting high resolution eddy covariances. The flux tower consisted of a sonic anemometer, a gas flux analyzer, a radiometer, and a temperature and humidity probe. I helped solve electrical issues on the fly when we were having issues powering the tower. I was also primarily responsible for data collection and quality assurance.

In addition to my involvement with the flux tower, I also helped operate the tethersondes on the tethered balloon, launch radiosondes, and deploy mobile mesonets as part of the larger initiative to collect in-situ measurements within the lake effect snow bands. I also shadowed our lead forecaster who provided a daily weather discussion. I gained experience with collaboration, teamwork, and instrument calibration and installation.

Using the data collected from our instruments in the field, I helped conduct a research analysis project with another undergraduate student where we constructed vertical profiles of kinematic turbulent fluxes. We discovered large vertical variability in kinematic fluxes and presented this research at the American Meteorological Society Conference in 2015. The poster is pictured below. Additionally, I provided two public presentations where I discussed the objectives of the OWLeS field experiment and Millersville's involvement. The highlight of my Junior year was giving a presentation to hundreds of students, parents, and faculty as the featured student presenter at the Millersville Research Recognition Ceremony.

[From left to right] 1) Eddy covariance flux tower 2) Myself and teammates responsible for deploying mobile mesonets in lake effect snow bands during operationally intensive periods. 3) Mobile Mesonet deployment truck.