GEOS 321: Introduction to Meteorology
Semester
Fall, 2014
Instructor
Dr. Shane D. Mayor
Lectures
Office hours
Office
Mailbox
Phone
E-mail
Class webpage
Mon., Weds., and Fri. 9:00–9:50 AM in Physical Science Building (PHSC) 130
TBD
PHSC 126
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences office (PHSC 217)
530–898–6337
sdmayor@csuchico.edu
http://phys.csuchico.edu/sdmayor/GEOS321 F14/index.html
Required Book
Fundamentals of Weather and Climate, Second Edition, By Robin McIlveen
c
2010,
Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-921542-3.
http://amzn.com/0199215421
Prerequsite
MATH 120; either PHYS 202B or PHYS 204C.
Course Format
This is a lecture-based course without labs. It is important that you procure and
read the required book and come to class. It is highly advisable to take notes in
class. Please inform the instructor by e-mail in advance if you cannot come to a
class due to illness or for other reasons.
Course Overview
A survey course in meteorology, distinct from GEOS 120 (Weather) in that some
equations will be used to describe the concepts.
Learning Objectives
1. To gain an appreciation for the reliable physical and mathematical basis of
meteorology.
2. To begin to see the flow of energy through the atmosphere.
3. To begin to use some mathematical tools to describe the atmosphere.
4. To provide a launch point for upper division courses in atmospheric science.
Course Grade
Your course grade will be based upon a set of exams, homeworks, and quizzes.
The instructor reserves the right to adjust grades according to other factors such as
attendance and thoughtful contributions to discussion. An approximate breakdown
for the course grade: Exam 1, 15%; Exam 2, 15%; Exam 3, 15%; Final Exam, 25%;
Quizzes, 15%; and Homeworks, 15%.
Dropping
You may drop without obtaining permission until Friday, September 5. From
September 6 – 19, you must obtain permission from the instructor to drop. After
Friday, September 19, you will need a serious and compelling reason to drop and
your request must be approved by the Department Chair and the College Dean.
Instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus at any time.
GEOS 321 (Introduction to Meteorology), Fall 2014, Tentative Schedule
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
25
27
29
1
3
5
8
10
12
15
17
19
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
Weds.
Fri.
Mon.
22
24
26
29
1
3
6
8
10
13
15
17
20
22
24
27
29
31
3
5
7
10
12
14
17
19
21
24
26
28
1
3
5
8
10
12
15-19
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Observations
Labor Day. No class.
Chapter 3: The constitution of the atmosphere
Last day to add or drop without special permission of instructor.
Chapter 4: The state of the atmosphere
Chapter 5: Atmospheric thermodynamics
Exam 1: Chapters 1-5
Chapter 6. Cloud and precipitation
(No adding or dropping after this date without Chair’s and Dean’s approval.)
Chapter 7: Atmospheric dynamics
Exam 2: Chapters 6-7
Chapter 8: Radiation, convection and advection
Chapter 9: The atmospheric engine
Chapter 10: Surface and boundary layer
Exam 3: Chapters 8-10
Chapter 11: Smaller-scale weather systems
Chapter 12: Large-scale weather systems (mid-latitudes)
Chapter 13: Large-scale weather systems (low latitudes)
Thanksgiving Holiday. No class.
Thanksgiving Holiday. No class.
Thanksgiving Holiday. No class.
Chapter 14: Climate and climate change
Review week
Review week
Review week
Finals week (Instructor at AGU)
2