Gibson 1

Brendan Gibson
Nancy Roche
Writing 1010-013
11 December, 2014
The University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Science (Polished)
Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, we will stand by each
other, however it blow, (Simon Dach). Our lives revolve around the weather; it has a
very important impact on humanity. The weather determines the farming habits, the
regional economy, what an individual does on that day. The study of weather is largely
vital to humanity, so it would make sense that we have people monitoring and studying it,
then creating literature based on the findings. The technical term for a weather major here
at the University of Utah is called Atmospheric Science. In our department we have the
chair, Dr. Kevin Perry, who is in charge of overseeing the department. The department of
Atmospheric Science uses the literature on weather in order to understand and research
phenomena. This process, in return, helps save money, time, and lives.
Claim
-The community uses the following literary practices:
Reading of texts, understanding of literature, researching life-saving technology, and
issuing advanced warning of upcoming dangerous weather.
-Literary practices are valued in the following ways:
They allow for the acquisition of the knowledge of deadly weather and how to accurately
prepare for it. Research is very well valued in the field.
Everyday life is affected by the literary practices in the ways that will eventually one day
allow people to prepare for destructive weather and save lives.

Gibson 2
Literacy practices of the department of Atmospheric Sciences
The main practices of Atmospheric Science are to analyze and interpret the
literature; to research weather; to discover new ways to combat and understand weather;
to use pamphlets, books, the internet, and television to broadcast findings and forecasts.
Literature on weather is used to explain findings found by research. The most popular
books that our weather department uses is by John E. Walsh, whose books are considered
to be straight-to-the-point and simple to understand; many atmospheric science majors
enjoy reading from his texts. Research is a vital practice that our department performs.
Every year students attend American Meteorological Society meetings in Denver and
explain their findings. Weather research is vital because weather is always changing and
gaining the upper hand. However, changes are necessary to be able to adequately
understand the more complex nature of weather. Broadcasting findings is a very
important aspect of our department because the general public should be able to know
what is going on in the climate; many people rely on the broadcasting of weather for their
jobs, time, insurance purposes, and their financial aspect of their lives. Due to better
research and technology, forecasting has becoming more accurate. We are now able to
accurately forecast, within a small margin of error, up to five days-- in the 1990s we
were only able to accurately predict within a three-day period. Our departments practices
are necessary to maintain a stable life for everyone.
Interview
Per the report, it was necessary to do an interview with someone whom is not a
student in the department. The interview was with a Professor who teaches a class on a
lower-level course, Atmospheric Science 1010: Severe and Hazardous Weather, whose

Gibson 3
name is Doctor Eugene Robl. Permission was allowed for the interview of Dr. Robl and I
asked him general questions about the department.
The first two questions I asked were icebreakers.
1. When did you realize you had a passion for weather?
- I remembered the first time I saw a tornado, I used to live in Missouri, it was honestly
the scariest, coolest thing I have first seen in my life. I forever then had a passion for the
weather.
2. Why did you decide to pursue a career in weather?
- At first I did not know that you could pursue a career in weather, it was not until I got
older that I realized you could make it a career. I decided to major in both physics and
Atmospheric science. I teach both physics and atmospheric science here at the U
The next questions I asked were more important.
3. What are different fields within the major? How are they similar and how are they
different?
-There are many different fields within the atmospheric science major, we offer fields in
air quality management, which is especially huge here in Northern Utah due to the
terrible air in the winters. We offer weather forecasting, also important here due to the
crazy climate we live in, and we offer research based classes.
4. What titles do you use?
- I use my first name, I would prefer to just be called Eugene. I only use doctor when
necessary.
5. How has the department of atmospheric science changed over the years?

Gibson 4
- Atmospheric science has always been a small major, but we have a lot of funds we are
able to use, so our technology at the University of Utah, is up to date. When I first came
here, a lot of the technology that is being used today was at its infancy, all these new
gadgets that our students can use just puts a smile on my face, they will be the feature of
meteorology. I feel like our department is being lead in the right direction with [Dr.]
Kevin [Perry].
6. Who is your favorite meteorologist?
-I enjoy what Phil Jones has done. He introduced many new aspects the world of
hydrology, and he has been very well recognized not only in the climate field, but also
the field of ecology.
I asked Dr. Eugene Robl six other questions, but I felt the ones above were the most well
thought out questions. I also had to condense many of the answers and simplify them
because they were all quite lengthy.
Literary Practices of Meteorology in General
The literary practices for atmospheric science are very complex; many of the practices
are very confusing for someone who has no experience in the major. Many people have a
vague understanding of what the weather is exactly about. Many of the terms used are
difficult to understand and only someone who has experience would be able to use them
accurately. The practices include analyzing and interpreting the literature of the major,
researching the weather, discovering new ways to combat and understand the weather,
using pamphlets and broadcasting of what the weather is, and distributing the weather
forecast across the general public.
Elaborating further on analyzing and interpreting the literature, all people in the
atmospheric science major analyze literature involving weather, usually textbooks written

Gibson 5
by other weather scientists, for observation and debate. Many people in the major still
have an infant knowledge of many of the sciences behind weather phenomenon including
tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes. Research is required to gain more knowledge on the
weather. Then meteorologists use their findings and send their findings to the media for
broadcasting.
Statement of Significance
Weather is a very important aspect of daily life; whether rain, snow or shine, it is
vital not only to the economy, but to civilization as whole to know what the weather will
be like. The study of weather and its forecasting is important because without adequate
knowledge of weather, how would one know what to do when a tornado hits, or if a
monster snowstorm gobbles the Midwest? Many of us would be threatened and the
economy would deteriorate without the adequate knowledge of weather. So you are going
up into the mountains this winter to ski. Is it going to snow? How hard? These are
questions one may ask. Finding out the weather is necessary to prepare and save ones
time, gas, comfort, and money. Learning about the weather is very important and should
not be taken for granted.
The practice of weather is a broad phrase; there are many aspects to the practice.
Practices include research of the weather and its phenomena, forecasting the weather, and
the broadcasting of weather to the general public. Our campus has its own weather
forecasting station that is used to analyze the global weather patterns, detect a major
storm, and measure the temperature. With all of that, and the help of our prominent
researchers on campus, we are able to call ourselves a world-class weather institute.
Closing Paragraph

Gibson 6
The Atmospheric Science department is a small department at the University of
Utah-- usually around 20 students graduate the university with the degree. Many of these
students are able to work for a lot of different companies, both private and public,
because many of these companies are in need of someone to monitor and analyze
atmospheric conditions. These companies rely on the weather because it makes a huge
impact on the economy. Meteorologists are in demand, and will continue to be so. It is
not only up to the students, but to the professors, mentors, and the university as whole to
help keep this vital field running. We have a great support staff at the university with Dr.
Kevin Perry leading the department, but we also have a lot of other support staff as well.
This staff includes Michelle Brooks, who is in charge of making sure we are on task, and
Dr. John Horal, who is charge of supporting the undergraduates with successful jobs in
the future. The economy and everyday life is very dependent on the weather, so it would
make sense that we have passionate people who monitor, broadcast, and research the
weather. Without them, how would we know what the weather will be like tomorrow?

Gibson 7
Works Cited:
Interview with Dr. Eugene Robl on 11/24/14
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/weather.html. Nov. 17, 2014.
Pamphlets from the weather department
-AWS flyer
-Brochure about Atmospheric Science

Gibson 1
Brendan Gibson
Nancy Roche
Writing 1010-013
24 November, 2014

(Graded)

Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, we will stand by each
other, however it blow, (Simon Dach). Our lives revolve around the weather; it has a
very important impact on humanity. The weather determines the farming habits, the
regional economy, what an individual does on that day. The study of weather is largely
vital to humanity, so it would make sense that we have people monitoring and studying it,
then creating literature based on the findings. The technical term for a weather major here
at the University of Utah is called Atmospheric Science. In our department we have the
chair, Dr. Kevin Perry, who is in charge of overseeing the department. The department of
Atmospheric Science uses the literature on weather in order to understand and research
phenomena. This process, in return, helps save money, time, and lives.
Literacy practices of the department of Atmospheric Sciences
The main practices of Atmospheric Science are to analyze and interpret the
literature; to research weather; to discover new ways to combat and understand weather;
to use pamphlets, books, the internet, and television to broadcast findings and forecasts.
Literature on weather is used to explain findings found by research. The most popular
books that our weather department uses is by John E. Walsh, whose books are considered
to be straight-to-the-point and simple to understand; many atmospheric science majors
enjoy reading from his texts. Research is a vital practice that our department performs.
Every year students attend American Meteorological Society meetings in Denver and
explain their findings. Weather research is vital because weather is always changing and

Gibson 2
gaining the upper hand. However, changes are necessary to be able to adequately
understand the more complex nature of weather. Broadcasting findings is a very
important aspect of our department because the general public should be able to know
what is going on in the climate; many people rely on the broadcasting of weather for their
jobs, time, insurance purposes, and their financial aspect of their lives. Due to better
research and technology, forecasting has becoming more accurate. We are now able to
accurately forecast, within a small margin of error, up to five days-- in the 1990s we
were only able to accurately predict within a three-day period. Our departments practices
are necessary to maintain a stable life for everyone.
Interview
Per the report, it was necessary to do an interview with someone whom is not a
student in the department. The interview was with a Professor who teaches a class on a
lower-level course, Atmospheric Science 1010: Severe and Hazardous Weather, whose
name is Doctor Eugene Robl. Permission was allowed for the interview of Dr. Robl and I
asked him general questions about the department.
The first two questions I asked were icebreakers.
1. When did you realize you had a passion for weather?
- I remembered the first time I saw a tornado, I used to live in Missouri, it was honestly
the scariest, coolest thing I have first seen in my life. I forever then had a passion for the
weather.
2. Why did you decide to pursue a career in weather?
- At first I did not know that you could pursue a career in weather, it was not until I got
older that I realized you could make it a career. I decided to major in both physics and
Atmospheric science. I teach both physics and atmospheric science here at the U

Gibson 3
The next questions I asked were more important.
3. What are different fields within the major? How are they similar and how are they
different?
-There are many different fields within the atmospheric science major, we offer fields in
air quality management, which is especially huge here in Northern Utah due to the
terrible air in the winters. We offer weather forecasting, also important here due to the
crazy climate we live in, and we offer research based classes.
4. What titles do you use?
- I use my first name, I would prefer to just be called Eugene. I only use doctor when
necessary.
5. How has the department of atmospheric science changed over the years?
- Atmospheric science has always been a small major, but we have a lot of funds we are
able to use, so our technology at the University of Utah, is up to date. When I first came
here, a lot of the technology that is being used today was at its infancy, all these new
gadgets that our students can use just puts a smile on my face, they will be the feature of
meteorology. I feel like our department is being lead in the right direction with [Dr.]
Kevin [Perry].
6. Who is your favorite meteorologist?
-I enjoy what Phil Jones has done. He introduced many new aspects the world of
hydrology, and he has been very well recognized not only in the climate field, but also
the field of ecology.
I asked Dr. Eugene Robl six other questions, but I felt the ones above were the most well
thought out questions. I also had to condense many of the answers and simplify them
because they were all quite lengthy.

Gibson 4
Literary Practices of Meteorology in General
The literary practices for atmospheric science are very complex; many of the practices
are very confusing for someone who has no experience in the major. Many people have a
vague understanding of what the weather is exactly about. Many of the terms used are
difficult to understand and only someone who has experience would be able to use them
accurately. The practices include analyzing and interpreting the literature of the major,
researching the weather, discovering new ways to combat and understand the weather,
using pamphlets and broadcasting of what the weather is, and distributing the weather
forecast across the general public.
Elaborating further on analyzing and interpreting the literature, all people in the
atmospheric science major analyze literature involving weather, usually textbooks written
by other weather scientists, for observation and debate. Many people in the major still
have an infant knowledge of many of the sciences behind weather phenomenon including
tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes. Research is required to gain more knowledge on the
weather. Then meteorologists use their findings and send their findings to the media for
broadcasting.
Statement of Significance
Weather is a very important aspect of daily life; whether rain, snow or shine, it is
vital not only to the economy, but to civilization as whole to know what the weather will
be like. The study of weather and its forecasting is important because without adequate
knowledge of weather, how would one know what to do when a tornado hits, or if a
monster snowstorm gobbles the Midwest? Many of us would be threatened and the
economy would deteriorate without the adequate knowledge of weather. So you are going
up into the mountains this winter to ski. Is it going to snow? How hard? These are

Gibson 5
questions one may ask. Finding out the weather is necessary to prepare and save ones
time, gas, comfort, and money. Learning about the weather is very important and should
not be taken for granted.
The practice of weather is a broad phrase; there are many aspects to the practice.
Practices include research of the weather and its phenomena, forecasting the weather, and
the broadcasting of weather to the general public. Our campus has its own weather
forecasting station that is used to analyze the global weather patterns, detect a major
storm, and measure the temperature. With all of that, and the help of our prominent
researchers on campus, we are able to call ourselves a world-class weather institute.
Claim
-The community uses the following literary practices:
Reading of texts, understanding of literature, researching life-saving technology, and
issuing advanced warning of upcoming dangerous weather.
-Literary practices are valued in the following ways:
They allow for the acquisition of the knowledge of deadly weather and how to accurately
prepare for it. Research is very well valued in the field.
Everyday life is affected by the literary practices in the ways that will eventually one day
allow people to prepare for destructive weather and save lives.
Closing Paragraph
The Atmospheric Science department is a small department at the University of
Utah-- usually around 20 students graduate the university with the degree. Many of these
students are able to work for a lot of different companies, both private and public,
because many of these companies are in need of someone to monitor and analyze
atmospheric conditions. These companies rely on the weather because it makes a huge

Gibson 6
impact on the economy. Meteorologists are in demand, and will continue to be so. It is
not only up to the students, but to the professors, mentors, and the university as whole to
help keep this vital field running. We have a great support staff at the university with Dr.
Kevin Perry leading the department, but we also have a lot of other support staff as well.
This staff includes Michelle Brooks, who is in charge of making sure we are on task, and
Dr. John Horal, who is charge of supporting the undergraduates with successful jobs in
the future. The economy and everyday life is very dependent on the weather, so it would
make sense that we have passionate people who monitor, broadcast, and research the
weather. Without them, how would we know what the weather will be like tomorrow?

Gibson 7
Works Cited:
Interview with Dr. Eugene Robl on 11/24/14
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/weather.html. Nov. 17, 2014.
Pamphlets from the weather department
-AWS flyer
-Brochure about Atmospheric Science

Gibson 1
Brendan Gibson
Nancy Roche
Writing 1010-013
24 November, 2014

(Peer Review)

Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, we will stand by each
other, however it blow, (Simon Dach). Our lives revolve around the weather, it is a very
important impact on humanity. The weather determines the farming habits, it determines
the regional economy, and it determines what one does on that day. The study of weather
is hugely vital on humanity, so it would make sense that we have people monitoring it,
studying it, and creating literature off of the findings. The technical term for a weather
major here at the University of Utah is called Atmospheric Science. In our department we
have the chair, his name is Dr. Kevin Perry, and he is in charge of overseeing the
department. The department of Atmospheric Science uses the literacy of weather to
understand the research of new weather phenomena and findings of what the phenomena
is, in return helping save money, time, and lives.
Literacy practices of the department of Atmospheric Sciences
The main literacy practices of Atmospheric Science is to analyze and interpret the
literature, researching weather, discovering new ways to combat and understand weather,
and using pamphlets, books, the internet, and television, to broadcast findings and
forecasts. Weather literature is used to explain findings found by research, the most
popular books that our weather department uses is by John E. Walsh, his books are
considered to be straight-to-the-point and simple to understand, many atmospheric
science majors enjoy reading from his texts. Research is a vital practice that our

Gibson 2
department does. Every year students attend American Meteorological Society meetings
in Denver and explain their findings. Weather research is vital because weather is always
changing, and gaining the upper hand on weather changes is necessary to be able to
adequately understand better, the more complex nature of weather. Broadcasting findings
is a very important aspect of our department because the general public should be able to
know what is going on in the climate, because many people rely on the broadcasting of
weather for their jobs, time, insurance purposes, and their financial aspect of their lives.
Due to better research and technology forecasting has becoming more accurate, now we
are able to accurately forecast within a small margin of error up to five days, back in the
1990s we were only able to accurately predict within a three-day period. Our
departments practices are necessary to maintain a stable life for everyone.
Interview
Per the report, it was necessary to do an interview with someone that is not a
student in the department. The interview was of a Professor who teaches a class on a
lower-level course: Atmospheric Science 1010: Severe and Hazardous Weather, his name
is doctor Eugene Robl. Permission was allowed for the interview of Dr. Robl, I asked him
general questions about the department.
-The first two questions I asked were icebreakers.
1. When did you realize you had a passion for weather?
- I remembered the first time I saw a tornado, I used to live in Missouri, it was honestly
the scariest, coolest thing I have first seen in my life. I forever then had a passion for the
weather.
2. Why did you decide to pursue a career in weather?

Gibson 3
- At first I did not know that you could pursue a career in weather, it was not until I got
older that I realized you could make it a career. I decided to major in both physics and
Atmospheric science. I teach both physics and atmospheric science here at the U
-the next questions I asked were more important questions.
3. What are different fields within the major? How are they similar and how are they
different?
-There are many different fields within the atmospheric science major, we offer fields in
air quality management, which is especially huge here in Northern Utah due to the
terrible air in the winters. We offer weather forecasting, also important here due to the
crazy climate we live in, and we offer research based classes.
4. What titles do you use?
- I use my first name, I would prefer to just be called Eugene. I only use doctor when
necessary.
5. How has the department of atmospheric science changed over the years?
- Atmospheric science has always been a small major, but we have a lot of funds we are
able to use, so our technology at the University of Utah, is up to date. When I first came
here, a lot of the technology that is being used today was at its infancy, all these new
gadgets that our students can use just puts a smile on my face, they will be the feature of
meteorology. I feel like our department is being lead in the right direction with [Dr.]
Kevin [Perry].
6. What is your favorite meteorologist?
-I enjoy what Phil Jones has done. He introduced many new aspects the world of
hydrology, and he has been very well recognized not only in the climate field, but also
the field of ecology.

Gibson 4
I asked Dr. Eugene Robl six other questions, but I felt as those were the most well
thought out questions, I had to condense many of the answers and simplify them because
they were all quite lengthy.
Literacy Practices of Meteorology in General
The literacy practices for atmospheric science are very complex in nature. Many of the
practices are very confusing for someone who has no experience in the domain. Many
people have a vague understanding of what the weather is exactly about. Many of the
terms used are difficult to understand, and only someone who has experience would be
able to use these terms accurately. The practices include analyzing and interpreting the
literature of the domain, researching the weather and discovering new ways to combat
and understand the weather, and pamphlets and broadcasting of what the weather is/ and
or distributing the weather forecast across the general public.
Elaborating further on analyzing and interpreting the weather literature, all people
in the atmospheric science domain analyze literacy involving weather, usually textbooks
written by other weather scientists, for observation and debate. Many people in the
domain still have an infant knowledge of many of the science behind weather
phenomenon, including tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes to state a few. Research is
required to gain the upper hand knowledge of the weather. And the meteorologist use
their findings and send their findings to the media for broadcasting.
Statement of Significance
Weather is a very important aspect of daily life; whether rain, snow or shine, it is
vital not only to the economy, but to civilization as whole to know what the weather will
be like. The study of weather and its forecasting is important because without adequate
knowledge of the weather, how would one know what to do when a tornado hits, or if a

Gibson 5
monster snowstorm gobbles the Midwest? Many of us would be dead, the economy
would be in ruins, without the adequate knowledge of weather. So your going up into the
mountains this winter to ski? Is it going to snow? How hard? Is a question one may ask,
finding out the weather is key to find out if you are saving time, gas, temper, and money.
Learning about the weather is very important, and it should not be taken for granted.
The practice of weather is a broad phrase, there are many aspects to the practice.
Practices include research of the weather and its phenomena, forecasting of the weather,
and broadcasting of the weather to the general public. Our campus has its own weather
forecasting station, and that station is used to analyze the global weather patterns, the
detection of a major storm, and the temperature. With all of that, and the help of our
prominent researchers on campus, we are able to call ourselves are world-class weather
institute. Without us, weather would be basically nonexistent.
Claim
-The community uses the following literacy practices:
Reading of texts, Understand of literature, research life-saving technology, and issuing
advanced warning of upcoming dangerous weather.
-Literacy practices are valued in the following ways:
These literacy practices allow for knowledge of weather that can be deadly and how to
accurately prepare for dangerous weather. Research is very well valued in the domain.
Everyday life is affected by the literacy practices in these ways that can one day allow
people to prepare for destructive weather and save lives in the meantime.
Closing Paragraph
The Atmospheric Science department is a small department at the University of
Utah, usually around 20 students graduate the college with the degree. Many of these

Gibson 6
students are able to work for a lot of different companies, both private and public;
because many of these companies need someone to monitor analyze climatic conditions.
These companies rely on the weather because it makes a huge impact on the economy.
Meteorologists are in demand, and will continue to be in demand. It is not only up to the
students, but to the professors, mentors, and the university at whole to help keep this vital
major running. We have a great support staff here at the university with Dr. Kevin Perry
leading the department as a whole, but we also have a lot of other support staff as well,
like Michelle Brooks, who is in charge of making sure we are on task, and Dr. John Horal
who is charge of supporting the undergraduates with successful jobs in the long-run. The
economy and everyday life is very dependent on the weather, so it would make sense that
we have passionate people who monitor, broadcast, and research the weather. Without
them, how would we know what the weather will be like tomorrow?

Gibson 1
Brendan Gibson
Nancy Roche
Writing 1010-013
24 November, 2014

(Monday Draft)

Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, we will stand by each
other, however it blow, (Simon Dach). Our lives revolve around the weather, it is a very
important impact on humanity. The weather determines the farming habits, it determines
the regional economy, and it determines what one does on that day. The study of weather
is hugely vital on humanity, so it would make sense that we have people monitoring it,
studying it, and creating literature off of the findings. The technical term for a weather
major here at the University of Utah is called Atmospheric Science. In our department we
have the chair, his name is Dr. Kevin Perry, and he is in charge of overseeing the
department. The department of Atmospheric Science uses the literacy of weather to
understand the research of new weather phenomena and findings of what the phenomena
is, in return helping save money, time, and lives.
Literacy practices of the department of Atmospheric Sciences
The main literacy practices of Atmospheric Science is to analyze and interpret the
literature, researching weather, discovering new ways to combat and understand weather,
and using pamphlets, books, the internet, and television, to broadcast findings and
forecasts. Weather literature is used to explain findings found by research, the most
popular books that our weather department uses is by John E. Walsh, his books are
considered to be straight-to-the-point and simple to understand, many atmospheric
science majors enjoy reading from his texts. Research is a vital practice that our

Gibson 2
department does. Every year students attend American Meteorological Society meetings
in Denver and explain their findings. Weather research is vital because weather is always
changing, and gaining the upper hand on weather changes is necessary to be able to
adequately understand better, the more complex nature of weather. Broadcasting findings
is a very important aspect of our department because the general public should be able to
know what is going on in the climate, because many people rely on the broadcasting of
weather for their jobs, time, insurance purposes, and their financial aspect of their lives.
Due to better research and technology forecasting has becoming more accurate, now we
are able to accurately forecast within a small margin of error up to five days, back in the
1990s we were only able to accurately predict within a three-day period. Our
departments practices are necessary to maintain a stable life for everyone.
Interview
Per the report, it was necessary to do an interview with someone that is not a
student in the department. The interview was of a Professor who teaches a class on a
lower-level course: Atmospheric Science 1010: Severe and Hazardous Weather, his name
is doctor Eugene Robl. Permission was allowed for the interview of Dr. Robl, I asked him
general questions about the department.
-The first two questions I asked were icebreakers.
1. When did you realize you had a passion for weather?
- I remembered the first time I saw a tornado, I used to live in Missouri, it was honestly
the scariest, coolest thing I have first seen in my life. I forever then had a passion for the
weather.
2. Why did you decide to pursue a career in weather?

Gibson 3
- At first I did not know that you could pursue a career in weather, it was not until I got
older that I realized you could make it a career. I decided to major in both physics and
Atmospheric science. I teach both physics and atmospheric science here at the U
-the next questions I asked were more important questions.
3. What are different fields within the major? How are they similar and how are they
different?
-There are many different fields within the atmospheric science major, we offer fields in
air quality management, which is especially huge here in Northern Utah due to the
terrible air in the winters. We offer weather forecasting, also important here due to the
crazy climate we live in, and we offer research based classes.
4. What titles do you use?
- I use my first name, I would prefer to just be called Eugene. I only use doctor when
necessary.
5. How has the department of atmospheric science changed over the years?
- Atmospheric science has always been a small major, but we have a lot of funds we are
able to use, so our technology at the University of Utah, is up to date. When I first came
here, a lot of the technology that is being used today was at its infancy, all these new
gadgets that our students can use just puts a smile on my face, they will be the feature of
meteorology. I feel like our department is being lead in the right direction with [Dr.]
Kevin [Perry].
6. What is your favorite meteorologist?
-I enjoy what Phil Jones has done. He introduced many new aspects the world of
hydrology, and he has been very well recognized not only in the climate field, but also
the field of ecology.

Gibson 4
I asked Dr. Eugene Robl six other questions, but I felt as those were the most well
thought out questions, I had to condense many of the answers and simplify them because
they were all quite lengthy.
Literacy Practices of Meteorology in General
The literacy practices for atmospheric science are very complex in nature. Many of the
practices are very confusing for someone who has no experience in the domain. Many
people have a vague understanding of what the weather is exactly about. Many of the
terms used are difficult to understand, and only someone who has experience would be
able to use these terms accurately. The practices include analyzing and interpreting the
literature of the domain, researching the weather and discovering new ways to combat
and understand the weather, and pamphlets and broadcasting of what the weather is/ and
or distributing the weather forecast across the general public.
Elaborating further on analyzing and interpreting the weather literature, all people
in the atmospheric science domain analyze literacy involving weather, usually textbooks
written by other weather scientists, for observation and debate. Many people in the
domain still have an infant knowledge of many of the science behind weather
phenomenon, including tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes to state a few. Research is
required to gain the upper hand knowledge of the weather. And the meteorologist use
their findings and send their findings to the media for broadcasting.
Statement of Significance
Weather is a very important aspect of daily life; whether rain, snow or shine, it is
vital not only to the economy, but to civilization as whole to know what the weather will
be like. The study of weather and its forecasting is important because without adequate
knowledge of the weather, how would one know what to do when a tornado hits, or if a

Gibson 5
monster snowstorm gobbles the Midwest? Many of us would be dead, the economy
would be in ruins, without the adequate knowledge of weather. So your going up into the
mountains this winter to ski? Is it going to snow? How hard? Is a question one may ask,
finding out the weather is key to find out if you are saving time, gas, temper, and money.
Learning about the weather is very important, and it should not be taken for granted.
The practice of weather is a broad phrase, there are many aspects to the practice.
Practices include research of the weather and its phenomena, forecasting of the weather,
and broadcasting of the weather to the general public. Our campus has its own weather
forecasting station, and that station is used to analyze the global weather patterns, the
detection of a major storm, and the temperature. With all of that, and the help of our
prominent researchers on campus, we are able to call ourselves are world-class weather
institute. Without us, weather would be basically nonexistent.
Claim
-The community uses the following literacy practices:
Reading of texts, Understand of literature, research life-saving technology, and issuing
advanced warning of upcoming dangerous weather.
-Literacy practices are valued in the following ways:
These literacy practices allow for knowledge of weather that can be deadly and how to
accurately prepare for dangerous weather. Research is very well valued in the domain.
Everyday life is affected by the literacy practices in these ways that can one day allow
people to prepare for destructive weather and save lives in the meantime.
Closing Paragraph
The Atmospheric Science department is a small department at the University of
Utah, usually around 20 students graduate the college with the degree. Many of these

Gibson 6
students are able to work for a lot of different companies, both private and public;
because many of these companies need someone to monitor analyze climatic conditions.
These companies rely on the weather because it makes a huge impact on the economy.
Meteorologists are in demand, and will continue to be in demand. It is not only up to the
students, but to the professors, mentors, and the university at whole to help keep this vital
major running. We have a great support staff here at the university with Dr. Kevin Perry
leading the department as a whole, but we also have a lot of other support staff as well,
like Michelle Brooks, who is in charge of making sure we are on task, and Dr. John Horal
who is charge of supporting the undergraduates with successful jobs in the long-run. The
economy and everyday life is very dependent on the weather, so it would make sense that
we have passionate people who monitor, broadcast, and research the weather. Without
them, how would we know what the weather will be like tomorrow?

Gibson 1
Brendan Gibson
Nancy Roche
Writing 1010-013
12 November 2014
Inventory
1.
Literary Practice: Advertising (for weather competition)
Artifact: informational paper
Location: in the atmospheric science building
2.
Literary Practice: Weather Research
Artifact: Informational paper
Location: In the Ute Weather Center
3.
Literary Practice: Lectures from professor
Artifact: PowerPoint
Location: In the auditorium the class is being taught at
4.
Literacy Practice: Weather Literature
Artifact Severe and Hazardous Weather: Fourth Edition, Rauber Walsh Charlevoix.
Location: In my Room.
5.
Literacy Practice: Decision maker information

Gibson 2
Artifact: Interview with Dr. Gene Roble
Location in his office on November 17, 2014
6.
Literary practice: Weather Seminar (advertisement)
Artifact: brochure about the NWS
Location in the auditorium in the WHB

Brendan Gibson
Nancy Roche
Interview
1. When did you realize you had a passion for weather?
- I remembered the first time I saw a tornado, I used to live in Missouri, it was honestly
the scariest, coolest thing I have first seen in my life. I forever then had a passion for the
weather.
2. Why did you decide to pursue a career in weather?
- At first I did not know that you could pursue a career in weather, it was not until I got
older that I realized you could make it a career. I decided to major in both physics and
Atmospheric science. I teach both physics and atmospheric science here at the U
3. What are different fields within the major? How are they similar and how are they
different?
-There are many different fields within the atmospheric science major, we offer fields in
air quality management, which is especially huge here in Northern Utah due to the
terrible air in the winters. We offer weather forecasting, also important here due to the
crazy climate we live in, and we offer research based classes.
4. What titles do you use?
- I use my first name, I would prefer to just be called Eugene. I only use doctor when
necessary.
5. How has the department of atmospheric science changed over the years?

- Atmospheric science has always been a small major, but we have a lot of funds we are
able to use, so our technology at the University of Utah, is up to date. When I first came

here, a lot of the technology that is being used today was at its infancy, all these new
gadgets that our students can use just puts a smile on my face, they will be the feature of
meteorology. I feel like our department is being lead in the right direction with [Dr.]
Kevin [Perry].
6. Who is your favorite meteorologist?
-I enjoy what Phil Jones has done. He introduced many new aspects the world of
hydrology, and he has been very well recognized not only in the climate field, but also
the field of ecology.