ATMOSPHERIC & OCEANIC SCIENCES 100
WEATHER AND CLIMATE (3 credits)
LECTURE 1 for Spring 1999
COURSE SYLLABUS
As of 16 November 1998
This outline is subject to change! So please refer back to this page
occasionally.
LECTURES: 10:20-11:35 AM, MTWR; Rm. 811 Meteorology and Space
Science Bldg.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Edward J. Hopkins
OFFICE: Rm. 1407 Meteorology and Space Science (608/262-1605
or 262-2828)
OFFICE HOURS: 1:00-2:00 PM, MTWR (or by appointment)
e-mail: hopkins@meteor.wisc.edu
INTRODUCTION
This introductory level course explores our earth's atmospheric environment.
Emphasis will be placed upon providing you with a deeper appreciation of
the various atmospheric phenomena that you may witness. You will become
acquainted with some of the more important economic and social aspects
of weather and climate. You will see how meteorology has evolved as a science
with the development of various tools and concepts that permit rational
description of various weather and climatic phenomena.
Some knowledge of the basic concepts of high school algebra is assumed.
Since meteorology is a visual science, slides, films and current weather
discussions will be routinely used. The materials covered in class will
be stressed on the three examinations,
with the text serving as a background resource. Therefore, attendance at
each of the TWO regularly scheduled lectures per week (75 minutes
each) is strongly recommended. Several homework
assignments, will be given to help you prepare for the examinations;
these homework assignments represent 15% of your course grade. If you are
having trouble with the course, please ask your instructor for help as
soon as possible.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course you should be able to:
-
Interpret the weather maps appearing on television, or in the newspaper,
locating broad based air pressure, wind, cloud and temperature patterns.
-
Correctly use and explain selected fundamental terminology employed by
meteorologists (e.g., dewpoint, barometric pressure, cyclones, etc.).
-
Identify various weather instruments currently used to measure atmospheric
properties.
-
Explain why the planet Earth is unique in our solar system.
-
Distinguish the characteristic sizes of various atmospheric systems.
-
Explain, in general terms, the reasons for atmospheric motions.
-
Appreciate the problems facing the atmospheric scientist.
-
Identify some of the fundamental conceptual models developed by meteorologists
to explain atmospheric processes.
-
Make simple, short term weather forecasts for your location, based upon
your observation of the sequence of winds, clouds and changes in air temperature
and pressure.
-
Distinguish the various severe weather phenomena and appropriate advisories,
watches and warnings that are issued for your safety.
-
Locate sources of climatological information for your locale.
TENTATIVE GRADING SCHEME:
Your course grade depends upon the numerical point distribution accumulated
from each of the following items, using the approximate weighting factors:
| 6 Weeks Exam (Thursday,
1999)
12 Weeks Exam (Thursday, 1999)
Final Exam (Thursday, 1999)
Homework |
25%
25%
35%
15% |
| Total |
100% |
REQUIRED TEXT:
Moran, J.M. and M.D. Morgan, 1997: Meteorology: The Atmosphere and the
Science of Weather. (5th ed.) Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River,
NJ. 530 pp. (ISBN 0-13-266701-0)
Last revision: 16 November 1998
Produced by Edward J. Hopkins, Ph.D.
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
hopkins@meteor.wisc.edu
URL: hopkins/aos100/s99syl.htm