ATMS 403

Credit: 4 hours.

Course provides the student with the necessary skill to conceptualize the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere through interpretation and analysis of weather charts, time and cross sections, soundings, and forecast products. Students develop case studies of weather system structure, participate in discussions of weather processes as depicted by weather maps, and learn techniques of forecasting weather. The depiction of atmospheric kinematic and dynamic processes on weather charts is emphasized. Students learn conceptual models of the structure of mid-latitude cyclones and convective weather systems, including cyclogenesis, frontogenesis, the process of storm intensification, occlusion and frontolysis. Numerical weather prediction models and statistical forecasting techniques are reviewed and utilized.

Prerequisite: ATMS 300, or consent of instructor.