MSC407: Weather Analysis

Fall 2007

Instructor:

Dr. David S. Nolan; contact: dnolan@rsmas.miami.edu, 305-421-4930

Classes and Labs: CC (Ungar) 301, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00PM-2:00PM.

Outline:

I . Observing and Interpreting the Atmosphere

A. Introduction to GARP

B. Observations, satellite, and radar

C. Seeing the basics - thickness, height, and geostrophy

D. Thermal wind and gradient wind balance

E. The thermal structure of jets, cyclones, and fronts

II. Numerical Weather Prediction

A. How models represent the atmosphere

B. How models predict the future

C. Boundary conditions

D. Parameterization

E. Initial conditions and data assimilation

F. Understanding model output

III. Understanding complex weather systems

A. Quasigeostrophic dynamics

B. Baroclinic life cycles

C. Fronts

D. Vertical motion, precipitation, and precipitation types

Assignments:

There will be occasional homeworks (10%), numerous laboratory exercises (50%),
1 mid-term exam (15%), and a final exam (25%).

Resources:

There is no single textbook for the class. There will be occasional reading assignments from books and the internet. Here are some good references which should be on reserve in the RSMAS library:

Bluestein, H. B., 1992: Synoptic-Dynamic Meteorology in Mid-Latitudes. Volumes I and II.

Holton, J. R., 2004: An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology (4th edition now available).

Wallace, J. M., and P. V. Hobbs, 2006: Atmospheric Science: An introductory survey
(2nd edition now available).