ATSC 406 · Operational Meteorology

Introduction to meteorological prediction, meteorological data analysis, prognosis of weather systems, motion and development, satellite imagery, Doppler radar, numerical weather prediction, synoptic and mesoscale forecasting, applied laboratory exercises. [2-2-0] Prerequisite: ATSC 201.

 Course Availability & Schedule

 Alternate year course

Odd year start – Term 2

Learning Goals

To develop a practical understanding of the principles of mid-latitude weather at the synoptic scales using dynamical and physical principles. To learn analysis and prognosis tools used to analyse current weather, and to be able to make scientifically-based short and medium term forecasts of future weather conditions. To learn how to present weather information to the public.

Instructors

Rosie Howard & May Wong

Lecture Topics

  Topics
1 Meteorological data
2 NWP Guidance interpretation
3 Satellite analysis
4 Tephigram and hodograph analysis
5 Frontal analysis and short-range prognosis
6 Cyclogenesis
7 Energetics approaches to understanding cyclogenesis
8 Temperature and Cloud & precipitation prediction
9 Medium range prognoses and horizontal weather depiction
10 Wind Prediction

Labs

Lab Topics
1 Meteorological data
2 NWP Guidance interpretation
3 Satellite analysis
4 Tephigram and hodograph analysis
5 Short-range prognosis
6 Marine bomb case study
7 Temperature forecasting
8 Horizontal weather depiction and medium-range prognoses
9 Cloud and precipitation forecasts