MTEOR 411/511 WEEK 7 SUPPORTING MATERIAL

Week 7 - Quasigeostrophic Theory - QG Omega Equation

The QG omega equation is one of the most heavily used approximations in meteorology. Even new meteorology students usually know about PVA and NVA and their impact on weather. Always be aware, though, of the limits of the approximations behind QG theory.

Estimate the type of vertical motion (up or down) occurring in some regions by using your 700 mb map and a 500 mb map. Note that warm advection (cold) at 700 mb and positive (negative) vorticity advection at 500 mb should result in upward (downward) motion. See if any cloudcover corresponds to your regions of upward motion.

• Current 700 mb Heights, Temperatures and winds
• Current 500 mb Heights, Temperatures and winds
• Current Infrared Satellite Image