The Earth Sciences Department has made significant commitments toward strengthening its program in meteorology. Recent additions to the faculty, curriculum, and equipment have initiated the process. This project allows for significant improvement in the quality of the program by providing improvements and increased access to the meteorological data used. The department's use of the UNIDATA PC-MCIDAS service is being expanded by the addition of terminals and a filesaver/storage unit to create a local area network open to students. Additional components incude a microcomputer based system for receiving National Weather Service DIFAX map service and high resolution monitors for display of computer terminal images to laboratory discussion groups. This equipment and the resulting data provides students and faculty with complete access to a wide range of meteorological observations, analyzed products, and forecasts for North America. Successful implementation of the project will result in an up-to-date undergraduate meteorology program for Minnesota students. The university will contribute an amount equal to the award.
