1. Atmospheric Observing Systems
Lectures: Surface observations-ASOS and other networks. Altimeter setting and sea level pressure. Upper air observations-radiosondes, profilers, ACARS. Radar and satellite observations. Lightning detection networks.2. Weather Forecasting Boot Camp
Lectures: Major steps
in weather prediction. Numerical weather prediction and
models. Forecast postprocessing. Approaches to
prediction.
Labs: Comparisons of
weather prediction model forecasts, forecast exercises.
3. Introduction to Synoptic Analysis
Lectures: Scalar analysis. Rapid review of
geostrophic, gradient and
ageostrophic wind
relationships.
Upper atmospheric analysis.
Labs: 500 mb
and
850 mb analyses. Instruction on online analysis tools (garp,
department
commands).
4. Atmospheric Structure
Lectures: Thickness, thermal wind, and jet
streams.
Frontogenesis. Upper level fronts. Vorticity and potential
vorticity.
Labs: 300 and 200 mb analyses. Thermal wind lab. GARP
analysis.
5. Basic conceptual Models of Cyclones and Fronts
Lectures: Norwegian conceptual model. Isobaric and
frontal
analysis. Frontal and
boundary-layer clouds and their
relationship
to synoptic structures.
Labs: Surface analysis. Cross
sectional
analyzes.
6. Introduction to Weather Satellites and their Imagery
Lectures: Hardware description. Basic concepts.
Enhancement
curves. Interpretation of visible, infrared, microwave, and moisture
imagery.
Labs: Analysis of satellite imagery.
7. Modern Ideas on Synoptic Structure and Development.
Lecture: Shapiro and Keyser model, conveyor belt
conceptual
models. Split fronts and cold fronts aloft. Three
dimensional
airflow in cyclones. Numerical simulations of cyclone/frontal
evolution.
Labs: GARP analysis of three-dimensional structures, trajectory
analyzes using model data.
8. Tropical Meteorology.
Lectures: Basic characteristics and comparison to
midlatitudes.
Easterly waves and tropical storms.
Labs: Streamline and isotach analysis.