ATOC 4720 –Introduction to Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics
Welcome to ATOC 4720 (show class web site)
What will we study this semester?
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Quantitative analysis of the physical processes occurring in the
atmosphere that give rise to atmospheric circulations
Focus on mid-latitude storm systems (cyclones)
Also study severe thunderstorms and polar weather
Frequent use of real-world (and real-time) examples to illustrate concepts
discussed in class
Class goals
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Know the fundamental forces that drive atmospheric motion
Estimate these forces from weather maps
Evaluate the types of atmospheric circulations that arise from a balance of
these forces
Understand the processes involved in the formation, evolution, and decay
of mid-latitude storm systems
My Background
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Grew up in New York
Early weather memories
o Big Thompson Flood – 1976
o February 1978 blizzard in NY
o Hurricane Gloria on Long Island – 1985
Education
o B.S. Earth Science (Montana State University)
 Develop interest in mountain weather
 Saw all-time record low temperature in Bozeman, MT (-42 deg
F)
o M.S. Atmospheric Science (University of Wisconsin)
 Studied Antarctic meteorology
 Two trips to Antarctic for my research
 Storm chasing
 Learned how to forecast the weather
o Ph.D. Atmospheric Science (University of Wyoming)
 Studied Antarctic meteorology
 One more trip to Antarctica
o Post-doc research at Ohio State University
 Taught graduate classes on climate and computer modeling
 Studied both Arctic and Antarctic meteorology and climate
 Two more trips to Antarctica
 Work on weather forecasting in polar regions
o At CU for the last 6 years
 Study polar meteorology and climate
 Teach introductory meteorology classes, weather forecasting
class, classes on atmospheric dynamics
 One trip to Antarctica January 2004
o Other personal info
Student Background
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Name
Where you grew up
Why you are taking ATOC 4720 or your interest in the weather
Distribute Syllabus and Student Survey
How to contact me?
 E-mail is best option (will respond in 1-2 days typically)
 Talk with me before or after class – follow up with an e-mail
 Office hours (Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00PM) or by
appointment (e-mail, call)
 Map/directions to office on class web site
 Class web site – check class news regularly
Textbook
 Applied Atmospheric Dynamics – available in bookstore
Lectures
 Based on material in text plus additional information and current weather
events
 Lecture notes available on class web site (outline of lectures plus figures)
 Reading the lecture notes is not a substitute for attending class
 Ask and answers questions in class – this shouldn’t be just me
lecturing to you
 I want this class to be interactive – not just me lecturing for 1:15
Prerequisites
 One year of calculus
 One year of calculus based physics
Grading
 2 mid-term exams (15%) each + final exam (20%)
o Problems and short answer questions
o Will allow a single cheat-sheet to be brought to exam (must be
turned in with your exam)
o Dates of exams are listed on class lecture schedule
o Show lecture / exam / homework schedule
o No make-up exams
 5 homework assignments (10% each) – problems from text
o Problems from text
o Due dates listed on class lecture schedule
o Late homework accepted up to 1 class period after due date with
20% penalty
 Class participation can boost final class grade
Misc. Items
 Honor code
 Students with disabilities
 Religious observances
How to succeed in this class
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Read the appropriate sections of the textbook before each lecture
Review the online lecture notes before each lecture
Attend the lectures and ask and answer questions during classes
Check the class web page at least once per week for updates and class
news
Complete all homework on time and in a neat manner (if I can’t read your
answer it will be marked as incorrect).
Show all necessary work on your homework assignments and exams –
partial credit will be awarded as appropriate.
Do not miss exams
Ask for help if you don’t understand something
Contact Professor Cassano as soon as possible if you have any questions
or concerns about this class