AMS Short Course on The Art & Science of Forensic Meteorology

Sunday, 22 January, Starting at 8:00A.M., Room 242

The AMS Short Course on The Art & Science of Forensic Meteorology will be held on 22 January 2012 preceding the 92nd AMS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This one-day workshop will provide an introduction and insight into the rapidly expanding field of forensic meteorology and climatology. The workshop is for those from novices to experienced forensic meteorologists. The latest advances in the forensic world as well as what it takes to become an “expert” in any field and in particular in the meteorological and climatological sciences.

Various experts in their specific fields will also present and discuss specific studies including good and bad experiences as well as potential problems that either experienced or novice meteorologist may face when entering the world of forensic meteorology. The legal field is constantly changing and thus so is the world of expert witnesses. The new changes in expert rules and procedures will be introduced. In addition, the specifics of running one’s own private forensic weather company will be presented and discussed. Attendees from private sector, government and academia are all welcome. The course will be an “active participation” workshop with handouts, discussions and debate.
The forensic sciences are rapidly changing and expanding. It is critical to remain informed of these changes and in particular in terms of the meteorological and climatological fields. Also, it is important that multiple forensic fields work together for a common goal. This synergy will be addressed in the course as well. New data sources and types of meteorological and climatolocial data sets will be presented. In addition, the new graphics and animation tools available to the meteorologist will be introduced and discussed.

This one-day workshop will provide an introduction and insight into the rapidly expanding field of forensic meteorology and climatology. The workshop is for those from novices to experienced forensic meteorologists. The latest advances in the forensic world as well as what it takes to become an “expert” in any field and in particular in the meteorological and climatological sciences. The workshop will include a panel discussion of experts in the field as well as a mock deposition in which participants will take an active role.

 

Various experts in their specific fields will also present and discuss specific studies including good and bad experiences as well as potential problems that either experienced or novice meteorologist may face when entering the world of forensic meteorology. The legal field is constantly changing and thus so is the world of expert witnesses. The new changes in expert rules and procedures will be introduced. In addition, the specifics of running one’s own private forensic weather company will be presented and discussed. Attendees from private sector, government and academia are all welcome. The course will be an “active participation” workshop with handouts, discussions and debate.

 

A luncheon will be provided during the short course.

 

It is requested that each participant bring at least one of their own graphics from a past forensic case or school paper/thesis/presentation that represents their work and gets their opinion or argument across.

 

Computers, laptops or internet access are not required for the course, however, one may bring their laptop if they wish.


This course is sponsored by the Board of Certified Consulting Meteorologists and the National Council of Industrial Meteorologists.

For more information please contact Elizabeth Austin at WeatherExtreme Ltd., 1119 South Mission Road, Suite 331, Fallbrook CA 92020 (tel: 775-636-8553; email: elizabeth@weatherextreme.com) or Steve Harned at Atlantic States Weather, Inc., 304 Fairfield Lane, Cary, NC 27511 (tel: 919-481-4020; email: sharned@asweather.com). (9/11)