MTEOR 411/511 WEEKLY SUPPORTING MATERIAL

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Bill Gallus, 3025 Agronomy Bldg

Objective: In this course, the general characteristics of mid-latitude synoptic weather systems will be observed and compared with the quasi-geostrophic theory of baroclinic development. A thorough understanding of synoptic- scale processes will be emphasized in daily weather briefings given by all students. Students should leave the course able to offer a ``reasonable" explanation for any weather event that should occur.

Class Meetings: W (12-1 lecture), R (2:00-4:30 lab), MWF (4-4:30 wx disc)

  • INSTRUCTIONS ON USING NEW METEOROLOGY PROGRAM PRINTER
  • REVIEW: Good overview of details of weather forecast models
  • Good List of Model Biases
  • Awesome overview of forecasting tips

  • Week 1: Norwegian Cyclone Model review, ISU sources of weather data
  • Week 2: Hurricanes and Tropical systems
  • Week 3: Kinematics of the wind field
  • Week 4: Balanced flow - geostrophic and gradient wind
  • Week 5: Thermal wind and thickness
  • Week 6: Quasi-geostrophic theory, Height-tendency equation
  • Week 7: Quasi-geostrophic omega equation
  • Week 8: Q-vectors
  • Week 9: Fronts, frontogenesis equation
  • Week 10: Baroclinic development, surface pressure tendencies
  • Week 11: Isentropic analysis
  • Week 12: General organization of cloud and precipitation systems (Case Study)
  • Week 13: Observing systems and new conceptual models
  • Week 14: Long-range weather prediction

    Grading: Weekly Lab Exercises (40%), Midterm (23%), Final Exam (27%), special exercises/contest/weather briefings (10%)