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)
Course Objectives
Students are expected to understand how meteorological data is collected, be able to interpret meteorological codes and station models, and create and interpret weather maps. Students will also be expected to learn basic forecasting tools. Students will be evaluated by their ability to use and analyze weather data. This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty electronic interaction, and data analysis activities and assignments. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and is developed through homework assignments, lecture, classroom discussion, and inquiry- based learning efforts.
Topical Outline
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 Lab: 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
Syllabus