ATSC 2000 Introduction to Meteorology

Introduction to Meteorology is a study of the atmosphere, its composition, structure, and properties, with emphasis on the various processes responsible for weather, climate controls and change, and the impact of atmospheric phenomena on society. The course introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of weather and climate through application to everyday, near real-time weather events. Students will analyze current weather data. Basic math and computer skills are required; access to the Internet and a printer are required. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 0930, MATH 1000 or test into MATH 1400 or higher. (3 lect., 3 lab) LSCI

Credits

4 credits

Transfer Status

Equivalent to UW.

Major Topics

  • Monitoring the weather
  • The origin, composition, and structure of the atmosphere
  • Solar and terrestrial radiation
  • Temperature and atmospheric circulation
  • Air pressure
  • Humidity, saturation, and stability
  • Clouds, precipitation, and weather RADAR
  • Wind and planetary circulation
  • Weather systems of middle latitudes
  • Thunderstorms and tornadoes
  • Tropical weather systems
  • Weather analysis and forecasting
  • Atmospheric optics
  • Climate and climate change

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Identify and describe properties of principal weather systems, present basic principles of weather satellite and radar, and apply the scientific method to evaluate empirical weather data express the results through laboratory reports for each of the major sections of the course.

2. Describe the major and minor components of the atmosphere.

3. Identify the characteristics of solar radiation. Utilize critical reasoning skills and investigative techniques to explain its impact on the earth and differentiate between solar and terrestrial radiation. Properly communicate the investigation results through laboratory reports.

4. Distinguish between heat and temperature characteristics. Utilize multiple temperature measuring processes and explain the imbalances and effects of heating and cooling in the earth-atmosphere system. Properly communicate the investigation results through laboratory reports.

5. Investigate the physical properties of air pressure. Analyze how it changes with altitude and how surface air pressure varies with different types of weather systems. Present the results through laboratory reports.

6. Explain the global water cycle, distinguish various phase changes of water, derive relative humidity, and describe how atmospheric stability affects vertical motion of air and cloud formation.

7. Describe how clouds are classified, distinguish various cloud types, and explain precipitation formation.

8. Characterize through laboratory data analysis exercises the forces that initiate and govern the circulation of air, the monitoring of winds, and the principle components of the atmosphere’s planetary-scale circulation. Present the results through laboratory reports.

9. Distinguish between the types of fronts and frontal weather. Analyze fronts and frontal weather data and express the results in laboratory reports.

10. Summarize the life cycle of a thunderstorm, identify the characteristics of a severe thunderstorm, and describe in detail the formation of lightning, hail, and tornadoes.

11. Describe the basic structure and characteristics of a hurricane.

12. Analyze surface and upper-air weather map data, apply the basic forecasting process, and present the results in laboratory reports.

13. Explain why the sky is blue, how rainbows form, and what a mirage is.

14. Define climate and explain potential events that are most likely to impact the global climate.