Fundamental theory, analysis, and exercises on mesoscale
weather phenomena and principles of radar meteorology. A major
topical focus will be thunderstorms, mesoscale convective
systems, and tornadic supercells. Other topics will include
mesoscale classification, observing systems, the boundary
layer, circulations, flooding, mesoscale tropical systems,
mesoscale modeling, short-range forecasting/nowcasting, and
mesoscale climatology.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will be expected to engage in an advanced
assessment of current topics in radar and mesoscale
meteorology. This may include, but is not limited to, an in-
depth literature review and presentation on emerging topics,
conference-style poster session on an instructor-assigned
topic, and/or an appropriate research case study. In many
instances, graduate projects and participation will be aligned
with proposed or ongoing graduate research projects.
Athena Title
Mesoscale Radar Meteor Climato
Prerequisite
ATSC(GEOG) 3120-3120L
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
MATH 2250
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will understand the fundamental theories, concepts, and processes related to weather phenomena with space (less than a few hundred miles) and time (less than one day) scales representative of the mesoscale.
Students will understand the classification philosophy, observational approaches, and phenomena associated with the mesoscale. At the same time, the student will gain knowledge on how mesoscale processes (e.g., storms, circulations) are coupled to phenomena at broader and finer scales.
Students will understand the fundamentals of radar meteorology.
Students will understand basic remote-sensing concepts, the historical evolution of radar meteorology, and mathematical-physical concepts underpinning radar-based meteorological measurements.
Students will understand current and emerging technologies and methods within the field of radar meteorology.
Students will have mastered basic interpretation of weather radar imagery as related to mesoscale weather processes.
Students will understand methods and concepts related to mesoscale analysis and forecasting.
Students will understand mesoscale numerical models, nowcasting, and short-term forecasting.
Students will understand the various meteorological instrumentation, networks, and tools (thermodynamic diagrams, convective parameters) that are typically employed in meso-analysis and forecasting.
Students will understand mesoscale signatures at the climate scale. A particular emphasis will be on hydroclimate processes and signals inherently linked to mesoscale processes.
Students will understand basic survey of mesoscale meteorological-climate processes and how these processes are linked to human and environmental systems.
Students will understand concepts and processes related to mesoscale weather processes as well as knowledge on the implications to the climate scale.
Students will understand radar (e.g., active) remote-sensing concepts and methodologies applied in mesoscale
meteorological/climate analysis and forecasting.
Students will understand current and future radar meteorology systems/methodologies for meteorological and climate studies.
Students will understand meteorological and climate radar and observational data through modules and scenarios.
Students will have enhanced computer literacy through email/internet transactions, basic computer programming philosophy, internet-based data acquisition, data processing, and analysis through applications modules and inquiry-based scenarios.
Students will have more effective communication through speech and writing as a result of in-class presentations, posters, and written assignments.
Students will have a greater cognizance of the importance of science in the everyday functioning of our planet and its crucial role in informing science and socio-political stakeholders and policymakers.
Review of Thermodynamics, Parcel Theory, Entrainment, and Shear
Convective Systems I: Isolated Convection
Convective Systems II: Mesoscale Convective Systems
Convective Systems III: Supercells and Tornadoes, Hail, Wet and Dry Microbursts, Lightning
Floods
Planetary Boundary Layer Processes
Circulations (Thermal and Terrain) and Meso-Boundaries
Mesoscale Processes in Winter Weather
Mesoscale Modeling
Nowcasting and Short-Term Mesoscale Forecasting
Mesoscale Climate Analysis and Dynamics
Additionally, the students will be expected to use existing capabilities within the Geography Department (GRLEVELx) and available NOAA-based radar data to conduct historical and real-time case studies related to an array of mesoscale topics.
