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PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS

Geography G533/433: Synoptic Meteorology and Climatology

Dr. Sara Pryor.

Office: Geography (Student Building) Rm 310.

E-mail: spryor@indiana.edu

The syllabus and information for Spring 2000 offering of G433

NOTE! Information for students who want to go into the National Weather Service

G533/G433: Synoptic Meteorology and Climatology (3 cr.). P: G304 or consent of instructor.

Analysis and prediction of synoptic scale weather systems, emphasizing the mid-latitudes. Other topics covered include; severe weather, atmospheric/oceanic teleconnnections and use of synoptic climatologies in environmental analyses.

Course texts: BOTH ARE REQUIRED

DJURIC D. (1994): Weather Analysis. Published by Prentice Hall ISBN: 0-13-501149-3.

CHASTON P. (1995) Weather Maps. Published by Chaston Scientific Inc. ISBN 0-9645172-0-5

Other readings will be put on reserve in the Geography library.

Synopsis: (provisional time table)

(1) Background materials (Wk 1-2)

A qualitative review of:

Global circulation
Air masses and fronts
Cyclones and anticyclones

(2) Synoptic data/meteorological observations. (Wk 2-3)

What measurements are available and how are they obtained?

Surface observations.
Upper air observations.
Remotely sensed data: e.g. RADAR and satellites. Satellite coverages and orbits

The basics and basis of synoptic meteorology.

Surface and upper air charts (isopleths etc).
Vertical soundings.
Derived data - e.g. wind fields - stream functions and trajectories.

(4) "Forecasting" for the mid-latitudes. (Wk 5-9)

Emphasizing the physical processes of motion/processes at this scale.

Kinematics.
Fronts.
Air masses.
Cyclones and anticyclones - theories of cyclogenesis.
Moisture, clouds and precipitation
The UK Meteorological Office WWW Research Page.

(5) Mesoscale storms/severe weather. (Wk 10-12)

(6) Synoptic climatology. (Wk 13-15)

Introduction to: teleconnections, and the growing field of environmental analysis using synoptic climatology (methodological and physical considerations).

Teleconnections - have are they investigated? The search for physical causes which underlie
statistical relationships. (Example of the ENSO phenomenon)
What is the relationship between hurricanes and El Nino?

Synoptic meteorology/climatology - the fingerprint of global climate change?
Synoptic climatologies and environmental analyses: Synoptic typing - why, what, how?

(7) Review (Wk 16)

Note: From the middle of the semester on each week the class will make and then evaluate a forecast of the Bloomington area.

WWW sites

Linkages between urban heat islands and severe weather: A case study of Atlanta

Warm and wet: Jan & Feb 1998

This is a great link to information about ENSO.

A global montage created using satellite data, sea surface temperatures and observed land temperatures.

A comprehensive listing of Universities offering Meteorology Degrees

A virtual library of meteorology information and sites..

Indiana conditions..

A searchable database of atmospheric science on the WWW

Assignments and grading:

2*Assignments - 15% each
Project - 40%
20% for paper. (paper will be graded and returned to the student before the poster is due)
20% for poster.
Final - 30%

Note: An additional paper will be required from those students taking the class for graduate credit.

To obtain a passing grade all of the above must be completed and submitted.

PENALTY FOR WORK SUBMITTED LATE: 10% PER DAY.

Assignments.

(1) The two assignments will be distributed in class and will involve analysis of weather charts, collation of data from other sources and practical examples of applications of the materials presented during the lectures.
Assignment 1

(2) The major piece of work is a paper and poster of one of the following presentation topics:

Remote sensing applications in synoptic meteorology.
Weather prediction - methods and uncertainties.
Theories of cyclogenesis.
Thunderstorms.
Tornadoes.
Hurricanes.
ENSO - A physical explanation of the global extent of this phenomenon.
Synoptic typing - methodologies/applications.

OR a topic agreed on with the instructor.

(3) The final exam will cover all the material presented during the semester.

Friendly reminders:

(1) Turn up to class - The lectures will not be directly from the course texts.

(2) Do your readings - As a bare minimum read and understand your course texts.

(3) Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. The policy on academic dishonesty included in the Schedule of Classes and student academic handbook will be strictly adhered to.

(4) Do your assignments and submit them on time. Late work will be heavily penalized.