Instructor: Prof. Gregory Hakim (685.2439) (www)
Department of Atmospheric Sciences; University of Washington
Description:This course provides a broad introduction to the atmospheric sciences, including atmospheric composition, weather forecasting, radiation, thermodynamics, and climate. Insight on these topics is gained by application of basic physical laws. A daily review of current weather provides real-time examples of principles derived in lecture.
Prerequisites: MATH 126; PHYS 123.
Class meets: M-F 11:30-12:20 p.m. in ATG 310C.
Text: Atmospheric Science. An Introductory Survey, Second Edition, by J. M Wallace and P. V. Hobbs.
Syllabus:
| Week 1 | Sep. 27--29 | Introduction to atmospheric observations |
| Week 2 | Oct. 2--6 | Structure and composition of the atmosphere |
| Week 3 | Oct. 9--13 | Radiation and energy balance |
| Week 4 | Oct. 16--20 | Clouds and cloud interpretation |
| Week 5 | Oct. 23--27 | Ideal gas law and hydrostatics |
| Week 6 | Oct. 30----Nov. 3 | Thermodynamics |
| Week 7 | Nov. 6--9 | Thunderstorms and severe weather |
| Week 8 | Nov. 13--17 | Basic dynamics; Cyclones |
| Week 9 | Nov. 20--22 | Cyclones and fronts |
| Week 10 | Nov. 27--Dec. 1 | Numerical weather prediction |
| Week 11 | Dec. 4--8 | General circulation and climate |
Office Hours:GH: Monday 10:00-11:00 am.
Evaluation:Homework: every Tuesday (one score dropped; no late hw accepted).
Quizzes: every Friday (one score dropped; no make-ups).
Midterm Exam: Friday 3 Nov.
Final Exam: Wednesday 13 Dec. 2:30--4:20 p.m.
Grading:20% each for homework, project, quizzes, midterm exam, and final exam.