Being snowed in for two days as soon as you cross the Minnesota-Iowa border might be disturbing for a newcomer to the gopher state, but not for Mark Seeley - a meteorologist and climatologist. Indeed, in 1978, Mark and his wife were snowed in for two days in Albert Lea. Minn. The couple was on a trek from Houston, Texas, for Seeley's appointment with the University of Minnesota's Department of Soil, Water, and Climate. Since then, much of Seeley's work has involved studying snow and weather patterns in order to provide better ways of dealing with Mother Nature's "blessings."
 Seeley was somewhat of a latecomer into the field of meteorology. He first received a Bachelor's degree in pre-law from the University of California at Berkeley. After getting his degree, he worked to put his wife through college and also volunteered to be a weather observer. He became fascinated with his volunteer work and started to take some classes in meteorology. His volunteer work sparked a strong interest in the weather and he soon received a Master's in meteorology from Northern Illinois University and a Ph. D in climatology from the University of Nebraska in 1977.
Fast forwarding to the present, Seeley's most recent research work has been a project known as "Living Snow Fences." This project was spurred by the winter of 1996-97, when there were 14 declared blizzard events and a deluge of snowfall for the season. The total cost of snow removal for that winter was a staggering $215 million, and the spring melting led to severe flooding. After this costly winter, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) commissioned a study and found that more than 4,000 sites in Minnesota would benefit from some type of snow barrier. After the study, MnDOT turned to Seeley and the University of Minnesota Extension Service to provide information on what type of snow fences to use and where to put them.
In order to answer MnDOT's questions, Seeley led a research team to do a complete snow and wind analysis to have a better indication on where to place a snow barrier along a roadway. Seeley and his team recommended that living snow fences be used instead of constructed barriers because of their other benefits (e.g. improved wildlife habitat, soil erosion control, and up to 20% reduction in energy costs). Living snow fences are usually a composite of coniferous trees (like pines) and woody species (such as lilacs or dogwoods). This combination provides good height and density in the barrier, Seeley says, which make it the most effective at trapping snow. The calculated cost/benefit ratios for living snow fences have ranged from 1:10 to 1:20, an exemplar of functional beauty.
After the analysis work was completed, the team designed a Web site for use among road designers and engineers. It gave them a better indication on where to place a snow barrier along a roadway to be most effective. This applied science work did not go unnoticed. Besides the regular use of the Web site by road designers, Seeley and his team received a Reseach Partnership Award from the Center of Transportation Studies. This award was given to them for their extensive collaboration and coordination work they did on the project with the USDA, NRC, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, MnDOT, and the media.
 Seeley's main duty at the college is public extension service. He uses climate and real-time observation forecasts to provide a variety of public groups with better information to formulate their planning and decision-making. In Minnesota, Seeley works with various agricultural producers, providing training to certified crop and pesticide applicator advisers that need to be annually re-certified. Additionally, he works with energy providers and uses weather forecasts to anticipate price volatility for winter heating costs.
These winter predictions also help out the tourism industry involved with snow and ice such as skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. And, if you are an early riser, you may be one of the 200,000-300,000 listeners of Seeley's weather commentary (6:50 A.M.) on Minnesota Public Radio's Morning Edition. On a more national level, Seeley and the extension service supply weekly and monthly Minnesota weather summaries on their Web site that are important to the work of the Department of Health, Ag, Public Service, and Homeland Security.
When Seeley isn't tracking the weather, he is tracking his family roots. One of Seeley's hobbies is genealogy. For instance, his great-great grandfather, Ira Seeley, was a member of the first Minnesota Territorial Legislature in 1854-1858, representing southeast Minnesota. Public service is still in Seeley's blood, as well. He is an avid volunteer and his greatest passion now lies in raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
He enjoys taking part in the MS Tram Bike Tour consisting of 300 miles with 1,500-1,600 other riders that tour northern Minnesota scenery for five days. Seeley also devotes his spare time to his community's youth, as he has coached kids in various sports, led a boy scouts chapter for 8 years, and currently works with his church youth group. Seeley has been married to his wife for 34 years and has two sons and a daughter.
|
Return to: The College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences : U of M Home
