Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Records
Scope and Contents
The Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Records document the field projects, research activities, and administration of MMM and its predecessor lab, the Cloud Systems Division (CSD), in the 1980s and early 1990s. The collection includes records documenting staff members’ work on the National STORM Program. Also present are records from CSD director Edward Zipser’s prior work on the GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) and other field projects.
Dates
- Creation: 1966 - 1994
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1980 - 1994
Conditions Governing Access
Access to this collection is open.
Biographical / Historical
This collection contains materials from NCAR’s Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) division and its predecessor labs, particularly the Convective Storms Division (CSD). CSD was established in 1977, as the National Hail Research Experiment (NHRE) was coming to an end. NHRE was included within the newly formed CSD, and Patrick Squires was appointed division director. Edward Zipser succeeded him as director in 1984. The division was internally restructured in 1986, and its name was briefly changed to the Cloud Systems Division (CSD). In 1987, an NCAR-wide reorganization took place. CSD was combined with the Atmospheric Analysis and Prediction (AAP) division’s Mesoscale Research Section to form a new NCAR division, Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM). Philip Merilees was appointed the first director of MMM in 1987. Robert Gall succeeded him, serving as director from 1991 to 2004.
Full Extent
8 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection consists of four series in eight boxes: Series I: Chronological files; Series II: National STORM Program; Series III: Edward Zipser files; Series IV: Films.
Physical Access Requirements
The collection must be viewed in the Archives during normal business hours.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated to the Archives in multiple accessions in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Details for many of the accessions are incomplete or absent.
Processing Information
Collection processing was completed in August 2025. Original file groupings were identified and kept intact, and original folder titles were retained. Misfiled and loose items were returned to their logical place within the collection.
Duplicate records, travel vouchers, purchase orders, and receipts were weeded from the collection. Human resources records and other records containing personal data and sensitive information, such as social security numbers, were shredded.
The collection was rehoused in acid-free folders and boxes. Metal paper clips and rusting staples were replaced with plastic paper clips.
- Title
- Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Shelley Nayak
- Date
- 2025-12-02
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Archives Repository