Atmos 5110/6110: Synoptic-Dynamic Meteorology I
Course Description: Fall Semester 2019
This course provides an introduction to contemporary synoptic-dynamic meteorology and its applications. The course is not restricted to the synoptic scale, but instead synthesizes observational and numerical analysis to understand weather across all scales, with an emphasis on the midlatitudes. Major course topics include basic dynamics (e.g., divergence, deformation, vorticity, and potential vorticity), upper-level waves, quasigeostrophic (QG) theory, diagnosis of vertical motion and height tendency, potential vorticity thinking, extratropical cyclones, and additional topics if time allows.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, students should be able to apply and synthesize dynamics, observational analysis, and numerical analysis to diagnose and understand the past, present, and future weather.
Format
Two lectures a week (9:10-10:30 TTh). You are also required to attend weather discussions at 1:00 TTh. Both classes meet in 711 WBB.
Grading
Grading is based on labs (15%), two mid-term exams (25% each), a final exam (25%), and participation in the weather discussion (10%). Grades on assignments will be reduced 15 points (out of 100) per day past the due date.
Texts
Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology by Gary Lackmann. An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology by James R. Holton and Gregory J. Hakim is also useful but not required.
Required Computer Skills
Students need to develop proficiency in the use of IDV early in the course, which will pay dividends during the semester.
Classroom Response System
We will be using a classroom response system called ClassQuestion. This will allow for students to respond to questions posed by the instructor and for the class to view and discuss results in a way that is anonymous. Students must (1) register by going to classquestion.com/students and clicking Click here to register. (2) After registering go to classquestion.com/students. (3) Click Add Class at the bottom, enter the class code (provided offline), and then click Add Class. This class will be added to the dropdown menu. You can then click the Sign Inbutton to long into the class and submit answers to life questions asked in class.
ADA Accomodations
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangement for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.
Counseling Services
The University of Utah Counseling Center provides developmental, preventative, and therapeutic services to promote the intellectual, emotional, cultural, and social development of University of Utah students. This includes services that address personal, career, and academic learning issues. They are located in 426 SSB and can be reached at 801-581-6826. Their 24/7 crisis line is 801-587-3000.
Campus Safety
The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. To report suspicious activity, call campus police at 801-585-COPS (801-585-2677). You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message. For more information regarding safety and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit safeu.utah.edu.
Tentative Schedule and Course Notes
I. Course Overview (week 1)
II. Fundamental Math Concepts (week 1)
III. Fundamental Meteo Concepts (week 2)
IV. Skew-T Review (week 2+3)
V. Divergence and Deformation (week 3)
VI. Vertical Motion (week 4)
VII. Circulation and Vorticity (week 4)
VIII. The Vorticity Equation (week 5)
IX. Scale Analysis of the Vorticity Equation (week 5)
X. Introduction to Upper-Level Waves (week 6)
XI. Dynamics of Upper-Level (Rossby) Waves (week 7)
XII. Potential Vorticity (week 7 and 8)
XIII. Upper-Level Flow Climatology and Blocking (week 8)
XIV. Quasigeostrophic (QG) Theory and Applications
A. Approximations and Equations (week 8)
B. Omega Equation (week 8)
C. Q-Vectors (week 9)
XV. PV Thinking and the Dynamic Tropopause (week 12 and 13)
XVI. Extratropical Cyclones
C. Norwegian Cyclone Model and Extensions [Additional reading: Bjerknes and Solberg (1922); Godske et al. (1957); Reed (1990)]
D. Shapiro-Keyser Model [Additional reading: Shapirio and Keyser (1990, section 10.4)]
E. Occlusion Process [Additional reading: Schultz and Mass (1993); Schultz and Vaughan (2011)]
F. Conveyor belts, poisonous tails, and sting jets, oh my! [Additional reading: Schultz and Browning (2017)]
