METEO 201 Nese FA14

Introduction to Weather Analysis Monday & Wednesday 8:00-8:50 AM, 112 Walker Lab: Section 1, Friday 12:20-2:15 PM, 607 Walker Section 2, Friday 8:00-9:55 AM, 607 Walker Instructor: Dr. Jon Nese

Meteorology 201 Introduction to Weather Analysis

Fall Semester 2014

COURSE DESCRIPTION.

An introduction to the atmosphere, the forces that govern its motion, and the collection, display, and application of weather observations and numerical forecasts used by operational meteorologists.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Jon M. Nese
518 Walker Building
863-4076
j2n@psu.edu
Twitter: @jmnese

OFFICE HOURS

Mon 2:30-3:30 PM, Tue 11AM-12PM, Thu 3-4 PM, and by appointment

CLASS TIME/PLACE 

Lecture:  Monday & Wednesday  8:00-8:50 AM, 112 Walker
Lab:    Section 1, Friday    12:20-2:15 PM, 607 Walker
Section 2, Friday    8:00-9:55 AM, 607 Walker
TEACHING Sect 1: Brittany Recker, bnr5027@psu.edu , 402 Walker, OH:
ASSISTANTS Sect 2: Anna Schneider, ais5201@psu.edu , 402 Walker, OH:

COURSE OBJECTIVE

  1. Students can demonstrate familiarity with key atmospheric variables and structures, the types of weather data available, the manner by which these data are collected, and some of the ways that these data are displayed, analyzed, and used.
  2. Students can demonstrate familiarity with the options within the BS degree for Meteorology.

COURSE OUTCOMES

  1. Students can demonstrate the ability to plot, analyze, and interpret conventional maps of surface and upper-air data as well as soundings on a thermodynamic diagram.
  2. Students can demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the basics by which atmospheric observations are taken, both in-situ and remotely.
  3. Students can demonstrate knowledge of synoptic-scale and tropical weather systems as well as of the general circulation of the atmosphere.
  4. Students can demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental forces that drive atmospheric motions both in the horizontal and vertical.
  5. Students can demonstrate knowledge of the basics underlying numerical weather prediction.

TEXT

Required:  Grenci, L. and J. Nese, 2010: A World of Weather, Fifth Edition Purchase directly from publisher: http://www.kendallhunt.com/grenci_nese/ (Caution: Used copies may have missing pages so be very very careful what you buy)

Though I strongly believe it is essential for every student majoring in meteorology to own a quality introductory-level meteorology textbook (and this text fits that description), and though I will constantly reference the book (and its figures) in class and for the homeworks, there may be reasons why you do not want to purchase the book. Therefore, a copy of the book is on reserve at the EMS Library in Deike Building. You can check the book out for two hours at a time. But beware – not owning the book will make it very challenging to take this course.

WEB Many class materials will be posted on ANGEL. I recommend that you check ANGEL before each class. Printing the materials placed there may help your note-taking. Also, you should bookmark the following web sites which will be used extensively in class:

Meteorology 201 Introduction to Weather Analysis, Fall Semester 2014

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

There will be two EVENING exams (exact times to be announced): Thursday October 2 and Thursday November 13. The final exam (during finals week) will be scheduled by the University. Conflict/make-up exams will be given for legitimate reasons. Missing an exam is a serious matter and must be discussed with me beforehand.

There will be a quiz each Friday in lab except the weeks of the midterms and the last week of classes (a total of 12 quizzes). There are no make-up quizzes, but I will drop your two lowest quiz grades (so if you have to miss a quiz, it’s not a problem). Most weeks, a problem set will be assigned in lab on Friday and will be due in class the following Wednesday. Because you are given so much time to complete the problem sets, there will be a 25% penalty for any problem set turned in late, 50% deduction for more than six hours late, and more than 24 hours late means no credit at all. Neatness, organization, spelling and grammatical structure are important !! You may discuss the problem sets with other students, but the work you turn in must be uniquely your own (see integrity policy below).

The final component of your course grade will be a semester-long group project (introduced during Week 1) that includes a presentation during the last week of class.

GRADING The weighting of the components of your course grade is as follows:

Component (Percent of Final Grade)

  • Exam 1 (16%)
  • Exam 2 (16%)
  • Final Exam (25%)
  • Quizzes (10%)
  • Problem Sets (25%)
  • Group project (8%)

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

The academic integrity policy of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, described at http://www.ems.psu.edu/current_undergrad_students/academics/integrity_policy , governs this course. Here’s a brief interpretation of that policy as it applies specifically to this course:

You may never copy answers from another person and present them as your own. This applies to quizzes, exams, and problem sets. You are allowed to discuss problem sets with other students, but the work you turn in must be your own, in your own words. Suspicion of copying on problem sets will result in a 50% reduction for the first offense, and an F for the course on the second offense. Cheating on exams or quizzes will result in an immediate F for the course.  

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations for a disability, you must contact the disability services office, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation (for guidelines, see http://equity.psu.edu/ods/guidelines ). Check the Office for Disability Services (ODS) web site http://equity.psu.edu/ods to see who you should contact at University Park. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, the disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with me and discuss the accommodations with me early in the semester. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Meteorology 201 Introduction to Weather Analysis, Fall Semester 2014

ATTENDANCE POLICY

This course abides by the Penn State Class Attendance policy given at http://senate.psu.edu/policies/42-00.html#42-27 . You should read it. Basically, I assume that you will be in class every day and you are responsible for everything done in your absence – but I understand if you have to miss for good reasons, and I will endeavor to assist you to make up any missed work. If you anticipate a lengthy absence from class, you should see me immediately.

CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS

Campus emergencies, including weather delays, are announced on Penn State News: http://news.psu.edu/ and communicated to cellphones, email, the Penn State Facebook page, and Twitter via PSUAlert (Sign up at: https://psualert.psu.edu/psualert/ ).

COURSE SCHEDULE AND READINGS

Below is a course outline and approximate schedule, along with readings from the text. A few thoughts about the readings: Reading Chapter 1 is essential. It’s an excellent introduction to the tools of the trade and you need to master these tools. The other readings are carefully chosen to reinforce what we do in class and to give you additional insights into applications. I strongly recommend that you at least skim these readings as we cover the topics.

Weeks/Topics/Readings

  1. (1-4) Atmospheric Structure & Analysis 1-12

    1. Key variables: 83-95, 125-151, 213-220
    2. Observing systems: 23-25
    3. Station models, Meteograms: 25-31
    4. Isoplething: 17-23
  2. (5-6) Radiation Basics and Remote Sensing

    1. Fundamentals of radiation: 51-72
    2. Satellite Imagery: 169-183
    3. Radar Imagery: 184-194
  3. (7-9) Large-scale Features

    1. General Circulation: 417-439
    2. Forces, pressure systems: 87-92, 213-237
    3. Air masses and fronts: 95-100, 238-240
  4. (9-12) Upper-air Analysis

    1. Constant pressure surfaces: 259-277
    2. Mid-latitude jet stream: 278-284
    3. Surface / upper-air connection: 526-533, 562-564
  5. (12-14) Stability and Skew-T Log P diagrams

    1. Atmospheric stability: 309-326, 330-343
    2. Skew-T Log-P basics: handouts
    3. Thunderstorms: 360-396
  6. (15) Additional Topics

    1. ENSO: 439-447
    2. Human impact on the atmosphere: 725-742
  • Wks 1-15  Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) see web site given on p. 724