Welcome to the tremendous, amazing, Big Asheville Science Salon!
When the Weather Gets Weird with atmospheric scientist Dr. Douglas Miller.
All I’m saying is that the itsy-bitsy spider could’ve used a heads-up.
We get alerts about price drops for kitchen appliances we never wanted, reminders to change our engine oil, and updates on celebrity meltdowns. We also get warnings when weather events might turn our whole world upside down (yes, we’re still talking about you, Helene), which is arguably a more useful predictive tool. Note: forecasting the path and magnitude of storms is no small feat, and we should be extremely grateful that some scientists consider weather more than just a topic for small talk.
But what about the consequences of extreme weather (the “downstream effects”, so to speak)? Is it possible to predict, with any degree of accuracy, the likelihood that rainfall will lead to floods or landslides? Maybe, someone could start by examining rainfall patterns in the region, fluctuations in river and stream levels, and the growing number of documented landslides across our mountains.
At the October salon, let’s talk about the weather – and how to develop a landslide watch and warning system – with atmospheric scientist Dr. Douglas Miller. Dr. Miller is a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences and a Distinguished Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies at UNC Asheville. His research focuses on how mountains affect weather and, specifically, their ability to amplify the impact of weather events. For more than two decades, Doug has pondered the puzzles of precipitation in western North Carolina, investigating connections between atmospheric rivers and landslides, rainfall variability, and how cold air damming (i.e., when mountains block air from the north and trap it as a cool air dome) creates unique weather patterns.
Our mission: Cultivate curiosity and build community by sharing the coolest, grooviest, and fascinating-ist scientific discoveries. And have a beer (or wine or soda).
How it do: Each month, a bona fide expert takes us on a thrill ride of science awesomeness (i.e., talk about their research and probably show pretty pictures). Afterwards, a lively Q&A segues into general mingling and chatting about why science is so cool.
When: First Wednesday of each month.
Doors: 6:00pm; Presentation: 7:00pm; Socializing: 8:00pm
Where: The Mule (at Devil’s Foot Beverage) 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
No cover charge – just bring your brain!
Doors open at 5:00. Have a drink with old friends, meet new ones, and get ready for some serious science in a seriously un-serious setting.