Advanced Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences

Course Overview

This course delves deep into the foundational and advanced concepts of meteorology and atmospheric sciences. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the various physical, chemical, and dynamical processes that govern the atmosphere and its interactions with other components of the Earth system. The course is tailored for upper-division undergraduate science students and professionals seeking to deepen their expertise.

Course Competencies

Foundation Topics in Science

This section introduces essential scientific principles and frameworks that form the foundation for understanding advanced meteorological phenomena.

Mathematics

Differential and Integral Calculus: Differentiate and integrate basic functions, find maxima and minima, and use Taylor expansions.
Matrices and Complex Numbers: Solve simultaneous equations, find eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and perform calculations using complex numbers and vectors.
Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations: Perform algebraic manipulations, use Fourier series, and identify initial-value and boundary-value problems.
Statistics and Probability Theory: Display statistical data, calculate basic statistical indicators, and draw conclusions.
Numerical Modelling: Use basic numerical schemes for time and space derivatives and perform stability analysis.

Physics

Mechanics: Apply fundamentals to bodies in motion, including Newton's laws, conservation of momentum and energy, and rotating systems.
Fluid Dynamics: Explain basic fluid kinematics and concepts like vorticity, divergence, and deformation.
Heat Transfer: Explain conduction, convection, and radiation mechanisms.
Thermodynamics: Apply gas laws, understand heat properties, and describe processes like entropy and enthalpy.
Wave Motion: Explain reflection, refraction, diffraction, phase and group velocities, and wave breaking.
Electromagnetic Radiation: Explain the electromagnetic spectrum, radiation laws, and the interaction of radiation with matter.

Complementary Subjects

Scientific Advances: Outline the development and applications of meteorology.
Computer Programming: Use basic principles to create programs for data analysis.
Data Handling: Perform statistical analysis using spreadsheets and databases.
Meteorological Information Retrieval: Utilize libraries, databases, and internet searches.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): Discuss components, functionality, and data quality issues.
Web Development: Create, publish, and update a basic webpage.
Physical Chemistry: Explain chemical concepts and cycles affecting atmospheric chemistry.
Oceanography: Describe ocean circulation and dynamical processes.
Hydrology: Explain factors influencing runoff, groundwater, and surface water resources.
Geographical Characteristics: Describe local terrain, demographics, and map projections.
Biosphere Cycles: Describe the major cycles and human impacts.
Communication Skills: Prepare written communications and make presentations.
Team Dynamics: Demonstrate understanding of team roles and functions.

Topics in Atmospheric Sciences

Atmospheric Composition and Radiation: Describe the vertical structure and composition of the atmosphere, radiative transfer, and optical phenomena.
Thermodynamics and Cloud Physics: Apply thermodynamic laws, explain moisture parameters, and analyze atmospheric stability.
Boundary-Layer Meteorology: Describe turbulent processes, energy exchanges, and the impact on boundary-layer flows.
Observations and Instrumentation: Explain measurement principles and techniques for surface and upper-air observations.
Remote Sensing: Describe principles and applications of passive and active remote sensing technologies.
Dynamic Meteorology: Explain large-scale atmospheric flows, balanced flows, and stability concepts.
Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Explain NWP model components and limitations, and describe forecasting techniques.

Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology

Mid-Latitude and Polar Weather Systems: Explain the differences, structure, and dynamics of weather systems in these regions.
Tropical Weather Systems: Describe general circulation, key disturbances, and the interaction between ocean and atmosphere.
Mesoscale Weather Systems: Analyze mesoscale phenomena and their impact on weather conditions.
Weather Observations, Analysis, and Diagnosis: Monitor weather, interpret data, and integrate observations and remote sensing information.
Weather Forecasting: Describe the forecast process, techniques, and the role of forecasters in decision-making.

Climatology

Global Circulation and Climate Services: Describe the Earth system components, climate classification, and regional climate factors.
Climate Variability and Climate Change: Explain past climate changes, causes of variability and change, and adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

Understand and apply the fundamental principles of meteorology and atmospheric sciences.
Analyze and interpret meteorological data using various techniques and tools.
Develop and utilize numerical models for weather forecasting and climate prediction.
Communicate complex meteorological information effectively to diverse audiences.
Assess the impact of weather and climate on various sectors and the environment.

Recommended Prerequisites

This course is designed for students with a strong foundation in undergraduate-level science, including coursework in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Basic programming skills and familiarity with statistical analysis are beneficial.

Course Format

The course includes a combination of lectures, practical exercises, and project-based assignments. Students will have access to a range of resources, including software tools and scientific literature, to support their learning.

Enrollment Information

Interested students can enroll through the university's online course management system. For detailed information about the course schedule, fees, and enrollment requirements, please visit the university's course catalog or contact the admissions office.