Synoptic Meteorology Laboratory

Catalog description

Meteo 411 focuses on the description, analysis, evolution, and prediction of large-scale weather systems such as extratropical cyclones, jet streams, and fronts, with an emphasis on techniques for analyzing synoptic-scale weather situations in three dimensions. Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental underlying processes that lead to the large-scale motions that modulate weather on synoptic scales. Though not intended as a course in weather forecasting, Meteo 411 provides a solid foundation for future forecasting courses. A fundamental goal of Meteo 411 is to provide students with a framework for visualizing the vertical motion field in the atmosphere, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The vertical motion field ultimately determines, depending on the availability of water vapor, where clouds and precipitation form. To that end, students become familiar with the Norwegian cyclone model as a conceptual framework for understanding synoptic-scale weather systems, as well as the role of the upper-level flow in the development and evolution of extratropical cyclones. The principles of conservation of mass, energy, and momentum are also applied as instruments for assessing synoptic-scale motions. Finally, students will develop an understanding of quasi-geostrophy and how this framework can be used to explain the evolution of synoptic-scale weather systems. The course begins with a review of the fundamental assumptions that are commonly invoked on the synoptic scale, including the hydrostatic and geostrophic approximations. The topic of numerical weather prediction is revisited from both the theoretical and the operational standpoints, comparing and contrasting the deterministic and ensemble frameworks. To visualize the structure of synoptic-scale weather systems, a variety of analysis techniques are employed, including cross sections, plan views, three-dimensional models, and satellite and radar imagery. Pattern recognition techniques for identifying synoptic-scale regimes are explored and quantified using various zonal indices and global teleconnection patterns. These techniques are employed in each lab period where students lead a daily weather briefing that includes both an analysis of the current weather situation and a forecast of its future. Students will be able to link the mathematical descriptions of atmospheric motion with a qualitative understanding of physical processes, and apply them to the analysis and prediction of the atmosphere. Within the course framework, the following topics are also covered: thickness and its applications, thermal wind balance, potential temperature, pressure tendency equation, frontogenesis equation, ageostrophic processes, gradient wind, jet streaks, vorticity and vorticity advection, conveyor belts, self-development, quasi-geostrophic theory, potential vorticity and its applications, and the synoptic setup for severe weather.