Climate Cycle Ups and Downs: USU's Science Unwrapped 'Hears' the Waves Friday, Sept. 22

What do a three-piece string ensemble and the Earth’s climate cycles have in common? Each experiences interacting waves of energy that create varied effects. With the ensemble, sound waves produce melodic harmonies. With the Earth’s climate, atmospheric waves create varied seasonal experiences, ranging from flood-producing storms to menacing wildfires fueled by drought-stricken vegetation.

With help from musicians, Utah State University climate scientist Jon Meyer illustrates how cycles in climatic conditions conduct the “symphony” of Utah’s colorful seasons Friday, Sept. 22, at USU’s Science Unwrapped public outreach program. Meyer presents “Waves: The Ups and Downs of Utah’s Climate Cycle” at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

“Summer is hot, winter is cold and spring is wet,” says Meyer, assistant state climatologist for the Utah Climate Center, based in USU’s Department of Plants, Soils and Climate. “But have you ever wondered why some seasons are hotter or colder, wetter or drier than normal? We’re going to find out why.”

Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, follow Meyer’s presentation. The talk will also be recorded and posted on the Science Unwrapped website, within a week of the in-person event.

Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website.

Meyer’s talk kicks off Science Unwrapped’s 2023-24 “Building on Basics” series, which explores varied scientific principles, with exciting examples and illustrations from diverse disciplines.

“This year’s approach is to examine basic scientific principles, and how they fit into varied scientific disciplines,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We have a wonderful group of scientists lined up to speak at this year’s events, and it will be fun to hear their different perspectives.”

Established in 2009, Science Unwrapped is a public outreach program of USU’s College of Science.

For more information, call 435-797-3517, visit the Science Unwrapped website or view the ‘Science Unwrapped at USU’ Facebook page.