3 hours. 2 hours lecture and 2 hours lab per week.
Weather Analysis and Forecasting
Analytical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Course Description
The collection, display, and application of weather
data. The use of meteorological instruments, codes, maps,
atmospheric soundings, and thermodynamics diagrams.
Interpretation of weather maps using basic meteorological
principles.
Athena Title
Weather Analysis and Forecast
Prerequisite
GEOG(ATSC) 1112
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be expected to describe how meteorological data is collected, be able to interpret meteorological codes and station models, and produce and assess weather maps.
Throughout the semester, students will learn to interpret basic forecasting tools to produce and defend their own weather forecasts.
Students will be evaluated by their ability to assess current weather conditions and predict future changes based on their analysis of meteorological data.
Topical Outline
Lectures:
Introduction
Weather observations, codes, station model
A physical foundation, atmospheric dynamics
Structure of the atmosphere
Atmospheric pressure, geopotential height
Forces, physical laws
Geostrophic wind
Gradient wind, surface winds
Atmospheric kinematics
Convergence/divergence
Deformation, advection
Waves in the atmosphere
Vorticity, advection
Vertical motion, Quasigeostrophic theory
Atmospheric thermodynamics
Measures of moisture
Laws of thermodynamics
Atmospheric stability, thermodynamic diagrams
Stability indices
Synoptic-scale weather systems
Air masses
Front types
Frontogenesis
Polar front, polar jet stream
Structure of extratropical cyclone
Life cycle of an extratropical cyclone
Cyclogenesis
Labs:
Computer basics, forecast contest, forecast discussion
Time zones, isopleth analysis, basic weather map analysis
Metar decoding, station models, isopleth analysis
Upper-air decoding, isopleth analysis
Forces, map analysis using QG theory
Use of a thermodynamic diagram, stability indices
Decoding MOS/FOUS
Investigating thickness
Forecasting cyclone development
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
