MET 2010: INTRODUCTORY METEOROLOGY
Meteorology is the scientific study of the structure of the atmosphere and the processes
involved in creating weather. Weather's effects on the earth have always been a major
determining factor in the distribution and survival of land-based species. Humans uniquely
have developed the ability to understand and manipulate atmospheric processes. Our
increasing knowledge of the atmosphere and our expanding technology that can affect it
must be accompanied by a responsibility as to its maintenance. A more thorough
understanding of the delicate balance between our activities and the dynamics of the
atmosphere will hopefully encourage a greater respect for this most vital (and fascinating!) of
natural environments.
Major Objectives:
1. To develop an understanding of the meteorological environment and the physical laws
governing it.
2. To develop an awareness of how the interactions between solar energy, air, land, and
water form weather.
3. To apply knowledge of the physical laws that control weather with data of current
weather conditions to forecast future weather.
4. To better understand how humankind’s activities can affect the quality of the
atmosphere.
Grading policy: The course will be organized into four units, outlined in the attached
objectives. An exam will be administered upon completion of each unit; dates will be
announced at least one week in advance. Exams will be composed of short answer and fillin-the-blank type questions. All exam material will be covered in lecture. Each exam will
count for 20% of the final grade. An end-of-the-semester forecasting exercise will count for
15% of the final grade. The remaining 5% will come from periodic exercises, which are
designed to help prepare you for the exams.
You are expected to be present for every exam! If you miss an exam, essay make-ups will be
available for one week after the original exam. No make-up is available for the final exam.
If, for reasons of scholarship eligibility, academic probation, or simple pride, you feel you
must earn a specific grade during the semester and are not reaching that level, options are
available. A maximum of 20 extra credit points (to be added on to the lowest test score) can
be earned through a combination of the following: presenting the daily forecast to the class,
attending AMS meetings, submitting short papers on assigned weather questions or
reviewing television/online weather specials. The weather questions will be given at the end
of class and posed in the form of more detailed questions concerning material just covered in
class. Acceptable TV/online specials will be posted on your class calendar and your review
should describe the contents of the show in some detail and end with a brief paragraph
expressing your opinion of the show you viewed. Both the questions and the summary
should run at between 500-750 words and can be submitted to me online.
To rescue oneself from a truly abysmal test grade, two options may be considered:
1) Anyone who fails an exam may take the essay exam. Your two scores on the exam will
then be averaged for a final score. No retakes will be available for the final exam.
2) You may write a 1200-1500 word term paper to replace ONE test score. (A paper cannot
be written in place of taking the test.) I must approve the subject in advance. The paper
must follow basic term paper style and include three to five sources, excluding encyclopedias
(online and hard copy) and textbooks.
The grade on this paper will automatically replace the test score. The paper is due the class
period before the final exam. No term papers can be substituted for the final exam.
All work for the course must be in by the day of the final exam - no exceptions!
Final grades for the semester will be calculated as follows:
A
B
C
D
F
90-100
80-89.5
70-79.5
60-69.5
Below 60
Attendance policy: The college-wide attendance policy is included in the Syllabus
Addendum http://www.spcollege.edu/addendum . The policy notes that each instructor is
to exercise professional judgment and define “active participation” in class (and therefore
“attendance”), and publish that definition in each syllabus. For this class, attendance is
defined as: each student is expected to be present and on time for every class, and to stay for
the entire class period. Attendance is taken during every class. Regular attendance is vital
for anyone wishing to pass the course and is used as a determining factor in borderline grade
cases. In the event an unforeseen situation occurs in which you will miss several classes,
contact me as soon as possible to arrange to make up any missed work. You are responsible
for all missed class material.
Withdrawal: Any student who is a “no show” for the first two weeks will be automatically
withdrawn. The official withdrawal date is March 23. If you wish to withdraw, it is your
responsibility to do so by this date. The college assigns a “WF” to any student withdrawing
after that date. Students who are not actively participating in class (more than three
absences) will be reported to the Administration during the week following the last date to
withdraw with a “W”. Any student failing to show up for the final exam will be assigned an
“F”. Particularly if you are receiving financial aid, you need to know the consequences of
withdrawal: http://www.spcollege.edu/withdrawal/
Classroom policy: All mobile devices must be turned off while in class. Use of any
device or texting during class is a violation of college policy and subject to disciplinary
action. In addition, college policy mandates that absolutely no food or drink (other
than bottled water) be brought into the classroom.
Academic Honesty/Classroom Behavior: http://www.spcollege.edu/academichonesty/
Students receiving Veteran Benefits: SPC rules require that administration be notified at
any point during the semester if a student receiving veteran benefits is absent for two
consecutive class periods. Please refer to:
http://www.spcollege.edu/pages/veterans.aspx?id=1649
Students with Disabilities: If you need special accommodations as a student with a
documented disability, please contact Jeff Ziegler, the campus Learning Specialist, at 7912710, particularly if you need assistance during a possible emergency evacuation. Please
see: http://www.spcollege.edu/dr/
Recommended Textbook: The Atmosphere (13th edition) by Frederick Lutgens and Edward
Tarbuck. You can get an online copy for considerably less than a hard copy at this website:
www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore. Enter the last names of the authors (upper right) and
then select this text – you’ll have several digital options on the right, including eTextbook.
Instructor: Ms. N. Duncan Tabb. We will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday from
12:30-1:45 in NM 226, Clearwater Campus. You can reach me in my office, NM 106, two
hours after class each day. If I am not in my office during those hours, check NM 226. If
you want or need to reach me at any other time, you can either call or text me at 492-8708,
or e-mail me through our D2L site or at duncantabb.neva@spcollege.edu. You can also leave
me a message with our science department: 791-5955. You can access my webpage at:
http://www.spcollege.edu/instructors/id/duncantabb.neva
Upon the completion of this course you should be able to, with a minimum 70 percent
accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the objectives below.
MET 2010 Objectives
UNIT I - Chapters 1-3, first part of 6, last part of 14; Appendix D
The Layers and Composition of the Atmosphere
1. Know the four stages through which our atmosphere evolved.
2. Be familiar with the composition of the earth's atmosphere today, particularly those
gases that affect weather
3. Be able to explain the four layers of the atmosphere, their temperature variations, and
any unusual properties of each
4. Be able to explain the unique properties of, and the dangers facing, the ozone layer.
5. Understand the concept of “air pressure” and know normal sea level values
6. Be familiar with the gas laws and how they work
The Earth-Sun Relationship
1. Be able to envision the differences throughout the year in the earth's path around the
sun
2. Be familiar with the major factors that determine the seasonal temperature differences
over the face of the earth
3. Understand how the tilt of the earth determines the different seasons as the earth
revolves around the sun
4. Be familiar with the concept of solstice and equinox
Heat and Temperature
1
Be able to explain both the interrelationships and differences between the concepts of
heat and temperature. Know what is meant by the “specific heat” of a substance
2. Understand how the changing states of water can transfer heat
3. Know the three methods of heat transfer and how they work
4. Be aware of the different paths incoming solar radiation can take as it enters the
atmosphere
5. Be able to explain how the “greenhouse effect” occurs in the atmosphere and to discuss
the possible consequences of an increased greenhouse effect (global warming) on our
planet
UNIT II – Chapters 4 and 5; Appendix C
Moisture/Humidity
1. Be able to explain the processes of evaporation and condensation, including when they
occur and their effects on their surroundings
2. Know some of the factors that may affect the rate of evaporation and condensation
3. Be familiar with the concepts of humidity, both absolute and relative
4. Understand the concepts of saturation and dew point
Atmospheric Stability
1.
Be familiar with how the conditions of stability and instability operate in our atmosphere
2. Know how the ELR, DAR, and WAR determine atmospheric stability
3. Understand the process of subsidence and the four processes that lift air
4.
Be able to describe the basic processes of inversion formation
Clouds and Precipitation Processes
1. Know the two major conditions necessary for cloud formation and how they can be
achieved
2. Be familiar with the outstanding characteristics of the four cloud families, including their
altitude ranges, general appearance, and how they are formed.
3
Be able to list the ten general cloud types and what type of weather they usually foretell
4. Understand the process of fog formation and how different types of fog are formed
5. Know the two basic processes that can cause precipitation
6. Be familiar with some of the precipitation types and how they are formed, particularly
those common to Florida
UNIT III - Chapters 6-8
Pressure and Wind Relations
1.
Know the four forces that move air and in what direction they act
2. Be familiar with how the process of hydrostatic equilibrium operates
3. Be able to explain the formation of a sea breeze.
4
5.
Understand how geostrophic winds and gradient winds (both surface and aloft) are
generated and how these winds may form high and low pressure cells
Be able to distinguish the outstanding characteristics of a high and low
6. Have a basic understanding of how winds aloft, particularly the jet stream, form and how
these winds influence weather
Primary and Secondary Circulation
I.
Be familiar with the pattern of global circulation and how it is formed
2. Be able to explain how the system of secondary circulation works
3. Know the major semi-permanent pressure cells discussed in class
4. Describe how the phenomenon of “El Nino” operates and the effects it can have on global
weather
Local Winds
1. Be familiar with the processes that form the local winds
2. Be able to name and explain the formation of some of the better-known local winds,
particularly the mountain and monsoon winds
UNIT IV - Chapters 9-12; Appendix B and F
Air Masses
1. Know the four basic types of air masses and where they originate
2. Understand the processes behind air mass formation
3. Be able to envision the processes governing air mass modification
The Mid-Latitude Cyclone
1. Be familiar with the four types of fronts and how each is formed
2. Be able to explain the particular weather characteristics associated with each type of
front including cloud succession, wind shift, etc.
3. Be able to give a simple synopsis of the origin and life cycle of the MLC including the
requirements for formation
4.
Be able to explain how upper level winds affect the formation and paths of MLCs.
5.
Understand how a thermal low is formed
The Convectional Thunderstorm
1. Know the three basic conditions needed to begin thunderstorm development
2. Be familiar with the three stages of convectional thunderstorms and the outstanding
characteristics of each stage
3. Understand the processes behind the formation of lightning and thunder
Tornadoes and Hurricanes
1. Have a basic understanding of the conditions leading to tornado formation and where
these conditions are most likely to occur
2. Be able to predict the major tornado paths
3. Have an understanding of the power produced by a hurricane and the threat it can pose
4. Be able to outline the basic requirements for hurricane development
5. Be familiar with the most common locations for hurricane formation
Weather Forecasting
1. Know the three revolutions in the field of weather forecasting and be familiar with the
meteorological network that assembles weather data
2. Be able to interpret a simple weather symbol and put together a simple daily forecast via
weather data and maps
MET 2010 COURSE CALENDAR (Tentative): Spring 2016
Week 1
Orientation, Evolution of the Atmosphere, Layers and Composition of the
Atmosphere
Week 2
Ozone Layer, Air Pressure and the Gas Laws
Week 3
Earth-Sun Relationship, Heat Energy and Temperature
Week 4
Heat Energy and Temperature, Solar Radiation
Week 5
Exam I, Greenhouse Effect
Week 6
Moisture and Humidity, Atmospheric Stability, Inversions
Week 7
Introduction to Clouds, Cloud Types
Week 8
Cloud Types, Precipitation, Exam II
Week 9
Spring Break
Week 10 Forces that Move Air, Land-Sea Breeze, Origin of High and Low Pressure
Week 11 Geostrophic and Gradient Winds, Primary Circulation,
Week 12 Secondary Circulation, El Nino
Week 13 Exam III, Air Masses
Week 14 Fronts, Mid-Latitude Cyclone
Week 15 Upper-level winds, Convectional Thunderstorm
Week 16 Tornadoes, Hurricanes
Week 17 Exam IV (Tuesday, 1:00 pm)
Holidays for Semester II, 2016:
March 8 and March 10
Weather Websites
These are just a few of the limitless sites available for gathering weather data. More
will be given in class but this list can get you started!
Real-time data and Archived weather information:
National Weather Service weather maps: http://www.weather.gov/# (good place to start)
NOAA Weather Website: http://www.noaa.gov/wx.html (official weather site from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, provides multiple government websites
covering wide variety of weather data)
NOAA Weather Page: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/outlook_tab.php (from above site)
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov (official government website for most
up-to-date tropical storm information)
Storm Prediction Center: http://www.spc.noaa.gov (official government website for tornado
prediction)
GOES Project Science: http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov (good satellite pictures)
The Weather Channel: www.weather.com (you know what this is)
Doppler radars across the US: http://radar.weather.gov
Jet stream analyses: http://squall.sfsu.edu/crws/jetstream.html (detailed site for locating
jet streams)
USA Today weather information site: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wfront.htm
Unisys Weather Site: http://weather.unisys.com/index.html (private company; good info
but can be technical)
Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com (quick, real-time national data in
map format)
Severe and Hazardous Weather: http://severewx.atmos.uiuc.edu/ (excellent site with lots of
pictures, animations, and explanations)
Everything Weather: http://www.everythingweather.com/links/archived-data.shtml
(archived weather data and other links on, well, just about everything weather)
Ultimate Chase: http://www.ultimatechase.com/Hurricane_Video.htm “largest hurricane
video library”; impressive collection of (often insane) hurricane footage
National Climatic Data Center: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov (climate data for the nation)
NWS Climate Prediction Center: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov (good predictions for
upcoming seasons)
Thomas Walsh website (Palm Harbor Forecast Center): http://stormw.wordpress.com
Local information:
National Weather Service, Tampa, FL: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw
American Meteorological Society, West Central Florida chapter: www.wcflams.org
Florida Climate Center: http://www.coaps.fsu.edu/climate_center/ (site administered by
state climatologist; includes many links to state climatology data)
Specialized information:
El Nino Theme page: http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino/nino-home.html official
government website for current information on the El Nino/La Nina phenomena and here is a
brief but effective You Tube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyPq86yM_Ic
The Ozone Hole: http://www.theozonehole.com/index.htm (complete information on the
ozone hole)
EPA Ozone Depletion Science website: http://www3.epa.gov/ozone/science official
government website reporting on the ozone hole(s)
National Energy Information Center: Greenhouse Effect:
http://www.eia.gov/oiaf/1605/ggccebro/chapter1.html
EPA Climate Change: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange (good, up-to-date info on ongoing
climate change)
Greenhouse Effect: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/globalwarming/gw-overview-interactive/
Climate impacts in the SE US: http://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts/southeast.html
Surging Seas: http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/ interesting website outlining how rising
seas (due to global warming) would impact your particular location
Educational:
Distinguishing Science from Pseudoscience:
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/pseudo.html there’s a lot of stupid
stuff out there…
Bad Meteorology: http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/BadMeteorology.html dispels weather
myths
Exploring Earth visualizations:
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/navigation/visualization.cfm a site
with lots of weather visualizations. Chapters 17-21 cover weather
The Green Flash: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap021110.html photograph and
explanation of this phenomenon (if you click on the green flash link)
View Alan Eustace’s famous jump: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/25/science/alaneustace-jumps-from-stratosphere-breaking-felix-baumgartners-world-record.html?_r=0
Seasons: http://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/52000/52248/seasons_msg
_2010-11_med.mov
Gas Laws program: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gas-properties
instructional animation
Ozone Over Your House: http://ozoneaq.gsfc.nasa.gov/tools/ozonemap (calculates ozone
over your house)
Global wind circulation:
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/tlw3/eBridge/Chp29/animations/ch29/global_wind_
circulation.swf
El Nino and La Nina:
http://esminfo.prenhall.com/science/geoanimations/animations/26_NinoNina.html
Power Point Presentation on Clouds: http://nenes.eas.gatech.edu/Cloud/Clouds.pdf
Cloud Appreciation Society (yes, it’s real): http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/cloudtags/cloudalikes/#p=1&t=cloud82&i=0
Windows to the Universe: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/cgibin/tour_def/earth/Atmosphere/weather.html instructional website from the University
Corporation for Atmospheric Research, University of Michigan
The Weather Prediction: http://www.theweatherprediction.com instructional site from
Mississippi State; also gives details of long distance BA programs in meteorology
Weather Photography: www.weather-photography.com/index.php some great photos of
weather phenomena
The Mid-latitude Cyclone:
http://www.atmos.illinois.edu/~snodgrss/Midlatitude_cyclone.html
Finding cold and warm fronts:
http://profhorn.aos.wisc.edu/wxwise/AckermanKnox/chap9/airmass_Front.html useful
exercise to help locate the boundaries between air masses on a weather map
Make a Storm
(animated): http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/wwatch/winter/blizzard/index.htm
Thunderstorms: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/jetstream/tstorms/tstorms_intro.htm NOAA
site, online course with good basic thunderstorm info
Lightning Distance Applet: http://profhorn.meteor.wisc.edu/wxwise/lightning/ltg.html
Animated presentation on lightning:
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/science/scienceintro.htm
Lightning
information: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/jetstream/lightning/lightning_intro.htm
Power Point presentation on lightning:
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/science/scienceintro.shtml
Tornado Project: http://www.tornadoproject.com lots of interesting information about
tornadoes, although some a little dated
NASA Hurricane Multimedia Gallery:
http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/hurricane_multimedia.html lots of
pictures and movie clips
Hurricane visualizations:
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/visualizations/hurricanes.html
(numerous sites with hurricane visualizations covering a wide variety of storms)
“Hurricanes: the Greatest Storms on Earth”:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Hurricanes/ excellent NASA site with detailed
information and photos
NASA site with lots of good introductory information:
http://virtualskies.arc.nasa.gov/weather/2.html