Atmos 5120/6120: Weather Discussion
Course Description: Fall Semester 2019
All individuals interested in weather analysis and forecasting are invited to attend weather discussions that are held as part of Atmos 5120/6120. The discussions are led by seniors and graduate students enrolled in 5110/6110 and examine recent, present, and future weather. They are held in 711 WBB and feature computer generated animation of meteorological data and numerical forecasts with discussion of the underlying processes controling the evolution of a variety of weather phenonema.
Objective
To develop each student's ability to apply fundamental principles of the atmospheric sciences to diagnose, understand, and predict the weather.
Format
Discussions are held from 1:00-1:30 every TTh during the fall semester. The previous discussion leader first reviews and evaluates the analysis and forecast from the previous discussion. Then, the current discussion leader examines recent, current, and future weather scenarios and forecast challenges, and provides a quantified forecast of the following for SLC:
- Today's Maximum Temperature (degF, 12-06 UTC)
- Mixed Layer Top (mb, 00 UTC)
- Cloud Cover (Few, Sct, Bkn, or Ovc; 00 UTC)
- Propability of Measurable Precipitation (%, 18-00 UTC)
- PQPF 10th/50th/90th Percentiles (Hundredths of an inch, 18-00 UTC)
- Probability of Snow (%, 18-00 UTC)
- PQSF 10th/50th/90th Percentiles (Inches, 18-00 UTC)
- Tonight's Minimum Temperature (degF, 00-18 UTC)
- Tomorrow's Maximum Temperature (degF, 12-06 UTC)
- Probability of Measurable Precipitation (%, 00-00 UTC)
- PQPF 10th/50th/90th Percentiles (Hundredths of an inch, 00-00 UTC)
- Probability of Snow (%, 00-00 UTC)
- PQSF 10th/50th/90th Percentiles (Inches, 00-00 UTC)
PQPF and PQSF denote the Probabalistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecast and Probabalistic Quantitative Snowfall Forecast, respectively. For each, you will forecast an amount that will be greater than 10% of the possible outcomes (i.e., the 10th percentile), an amount that will be greater than 50% of the possible outcomes (i.e., the 50th percentile), and an amount that will exceed 90% of the possible outcomes (i.e., the 90th percentile). Forecasts and validation data must be entered into a Google Drive spreadsheet for which you will receive an invitation during the first week of class. Below is an example.
Preparation
This is an active learning class led by students. Being the discussion leader takes preparation. Nevertheless, you should skip no morning classes to prepare for map discussions. Instead begin to prepare the day before your briefing to get a handle on what you will be talking about (ideally, you should get in the habit of examining the weather on a daily basis even if you are not leading a briefing in the near future) and take advantage of scheduled prepration time between the official start of class (12:25) and the beginning of the discussion (1:00).
Grading
Credit/no credit based on attendance, participation, and your ability to apply and discuss the processes that may be contributing to recent, current, and future weather events. Ten percent of your Atmos 5110/6110 grade is based on attendance and participation in the discussion. Students are not allowed to miss a discussion they are leading (reschedule if there is a conflict or you are ill) and are allowed to miss no more than 2 weather discussions. Missing 3 will reduce the maximum points that can be achieved for the 5110/6110 grade by 50%. Missing 4 will result in no credit being given for the course.
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.
