EAE2122 · Introduction to atmospheric physics and dynamics

Overview

This unit will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge to analyse various physical and dynamical processes in the atmosphere relevant to weather and climate. You will be introduced to the major processes leading to cloud and precipitation formation in the atmosphere, and you will learn to identify and classify clouds. The unit will further cover the dynamics and prediction of severe storms, including supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes, and you will learn techniques for the forecasting of such storms using real-world data. Finally, the unit will discuss atmospheric dynamics, including atmospheric vortices such as midlatitude low pressure systems and tropical cyclones. At the end of this unit you will have an understanding of the processes that lead to cloud and precipitation formation in the atmosphere, and you will have gained experience in applying techniques for forecasting day-to-day weather.

Areas of study: Climate and atmospheric science Earth science

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the basic thermodynamics of the atmosphere and the forces acting upon it, and explain how these forces lead to atmospheric motions;
2. Identify and describe the main processes leading to the formation of clouds;
3. Distinguish and classify different cloud types;
4. Apply conceptual knowledge of the atmosphere to real-life weather systems, including severe storms, tornadoes and tropical cyclones, and use appropriate techniques for forecasting day-to-day weather;
5. Integrate key concepts of atmospheric physics and dynamics to analyse and solve quantitative meteorological problems
6. Interpret quantitative meteorological information using appropriate mathematical, statistical, and graphical tools.

Workload

• Two hours of lectures; • One 3-hour practical session and • 7 hours independent study per week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.