Introduction to Meteorology: Syllabus

Introduction to Meteorology (Atm. Sci. 240)

Prof. Jon Kahl

Approximate Syllabus
Week
#		 Week
of		 Topic Assigned
Reading
1 Jan. 22
Jan. 24: CLASS CANCELLED		 Weather map analysis:
  • Isoplething
  • station models
1st ed: Ch. 3
2nd ed: Ch. 8 (pp. 313-339)
2 Jan. 29 Atmospheric composition and structure 1st ed: Ch. 1
2nd ed: Ch. 1
3-5 Feb. 5
Feb. 12
Feb. 19 		Gas law and hydrostatics:
  • Equation of state
  • hydrostatic equilibrium
  • virtual temperature
  • geopotential
  • reduction of pressure to sea level
1st ed: Ch. 2 (pp. 47-61)
2nd ed: Ch. 3 (pp. 63-72)
Exam 1: Thursday, Feb. 21
6-11 Feb. 26
Mar. 4
Mar. 11
Mar. 18 (Spring break)
Mar. 25
Apr. 1 		Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics:
  • First law of thermodynamics
  • latent heat
  • moisture variables
  • adiabatic processes
  • static stability
  • use of thermodynamic diagrams
1st ed: Ch. 2 (pp. 61-107)
2nd ed: Ch. 3 (pp. 72-93)
Exam 2: Thursday, Apr. 3
12-16 Apr. 8
Apr. 15
Apr. 22
Apr. 29
May 6 		Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics:
  • fixed and rotating coordinate systems
  • gravitational and frictional forces
  • pressure gradient and Coriolis forces
  • equations of motion
  • geostrophic and gradient winds
  • thermal wind
1st ed: Ch. 8
2nd ed: Ch. 7 (pp. 276-285)

FINAL EXAM: WEDNESDAY MAY 14, 7:30 - 9:30 AM

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