The intellectual merit of this project stems from research to improve understanding of how reductions in mountain snow cover that occur as the climate warms lead to changes in other aspects of weather and climate. These effects largely result from the the snow-albedo feedback (SAF), a process whereby reduced snow cover causes the Earth’s surface to absorb more sunlight and enhance warming of the overlying atmosphere. The SAF and its effects were investigated by using high-resolution regional climate models (RCMs), computer simulations of the land surface and atmosphere of the Rocky Mountain region. These RCMs were used to simulate current and representative future simulations using grid spacings of a few kilometers, sufficient to resolve the important effects that terrain features have on snow cover, winds, and clouds.  Research methods involved analysis of existing RCM simulations, development of new RCM diagnostics, design and execution of novel RCM experiments, and comparison of RCM simulations to observational datasets, including satellite observations.

New approaches were developed and applied that allow for a quantification of how the SAF shapes patterns of warming in various RCM simulations. These revealed differences in SAF strength between different mountain regions, seasons, and RCM configurations. Results show that the SAF is the dominant process in shaping the pattern of mountain climate warming during the late winter and spring seasons over the Rocky Mountains, and other parts of the western US, including the variations in climate warming that occur with terrain elevation. The realism of RCM-simulated snow cover and the SAF were evaluated using satellite observations of snow cover and surface albedo. This approach was used to document how the choices in the representation of land surface processes, including snow-vegetation-sunlight interactions, modulate the strength and realism of the simulated SAF and affect RCM simulations of future climate. Through these approaches, satellite observations are being used to constrain and improve RCM simulations of future mountain climate conditions.  RCM simulations were also used to investigate how the SAF affects mountain wind patterns, including mountain-valley winds, mountain-plain circulations, and afternoon clouds and rainfall that develop over mountain peaks. Results show that locally enhanced warming from the SAF acts to strengthen these winds and enhance development of afternoon clouds and rainfall over the mountains in springtime. The results of the work have been documented in six scientific journal articles and numerous conference presentations.

The project also contributed a range of educational broader impacts. The project provided support for two graduate students to complete degrees and provided paid summer research experiences for two undergraduate students. All four of these students gained experience in conducting research, presenting at conferences, and writing theses and/or academic journal articles.

Over 70 educational outreach talks about weather and climate were given in local high school classrooms at urban school districts with high proportions of economically disadvantaged students and students from demographic groups that are underrepresented minorities (URMs) in science, technology, and math (STEM) fields. A new UAlbany Weather and Climate Camp  (UAWCcamp) was developed and operated. The UAWCcamp is a free one-week summer day camp for high school students that engages and inspires students to study STEM fields. The camp serves students from New York’s Capital District, specifically targeting students that are: from low-income backgrounds, potential first generation college students, or from URM groups. The UAWCcamp works to show campers that education and careers in science are options for each of them that are exciting, attainable, and rewarding. The UAWCcamp served a total of 48 students from grades 8-12, including many female and underrepresented minority students, during summers 2015-2018. Assessment surveys demonstrated that campers had positive learning outcomes and experiences. At least five camp alumni have since enrolled as undergraduate students at UAlbany, with three enrolled as Atmospheric Sciences majors.

A new undergraduate course titled “The Adirondack Environment,” an interdisciplinary survey of mountain environments with a focus on New York’s Adirondack Mountains as an example, was developed and taught during fall 2016, fall 2018, and spring 2021. Topics covered range from aspects of the natural environment to human-environment interactions. Specific topics vary, but typically include: regional geology and geomorphology, impacts of acid rain and air quality regulation, forestry and mining practices, ecosystem changes and management, environmental conservation of the Adirondack park, impacts of climate change. It served a total of 56 students and has been added as a regular course to departmental curriculum.

Last Modified: 07/30/2021
Modified by: Justin R Minder