ATM OCN (Meteorology) 100

THE THEORY OF WINDS: 
PART I - OBSERVATIONS & SCALES of MOTION

Summer 1999

Lecture #13 Scheduled for:

7 JUL 1999 (W)

Recommended Readings from Moran and Morgan (1997):

pages 201; 218-222.

Objectives:

• To distinguish between scalar and vector quantities.
• To identify the instruments used to measure wind speed and wind direction.
• To rank the various scales of atmospheric motion.

Outline:

A. INTRODUCTION

• What are Winds?
• Importance of Winds
• Human significance
• Meteorological significance
• Naming the winds

B. WIND OBSERVATIONS & ANEMOMETRY

• Requirements
• Historical Wind Observations
• Modern Wind Observations and Techniques
• Modern Wind Instruments

C. SCALES OF ATMOSPHERIC MOTION

• The Importance of Scale
• Scales
• Planetary Scale
• Macro or Synoptic Scale
• Mesoscale Scale - Organized Turbulence
• Microscale - Turbulence
• Scale Interaction

Continues as THE THEORY OF WINDS: PART II - FUNDAMENTAL FORCES

Links to Other References:

• The Forces & Wind module from Weather World 2010 (Univ. of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign).
• Wind Energy Conversion Systems --  A graphical display of the power generated last week by a low wind speed turbine project near Green Bay.

• For Educational Resources
• Blustery Beginnings - Links to educational information and activities involving wind. (From the Franklin Institute)

Last revision 11 June 1999