This course focuses on analysis and forecasting of middle-latitude weather systems. We examine the structure and dynamics of these systems by integrating weather observations with the current state of dynamic theory, numerical weather prediction models, and the physical principles of atmospheric thermodynamics and cloud and precipitation physics. The lab is vital to the course content. Students who complete both the lecture and lab will have a good start toward the essentials of the Forecaster’s Art. We will pay close attention to daily weather during the lectures/labs. The lab assignments include traditional hand-drawing of weather maps and computer-based map analysis using the NCAR IDV software. Graduate students will have the opportunity to work on a research-related literature review and term paper reports to increase their ability to utilize knowledge learned in their research/thesis work.
This lab course is offered at the same term with MET 3502/MET5561—Synoptic Meteorology course with a focus on analysis and forecasting of middle-latitude and tropical weather systems, including tropical cyclones. It provides students with an introduction to the tools and techniques used for contemporary weather forecasting. Students will be required to give weather forecast discussions to develop an understanding of the weather forecasting process, and gain experience in communicating weather forecasts. It’s a vital practice for students in meteorological major.
This course focuses on the principles and practices of satellite and radar remote sensing as used in the atmospheric sciences. We survey the basic atmospheric radiation, review the principles of radar and satellite meteorology, and learn imagery interpretation. The course covers electronic-magnetic frequencies from visible to microwave, descriptions of important satellite orbits and sensors, the retrieval of atmospheric variables from active and passive systems, and basic principles of interpretation. Graduate students have the opportunity to work on a research-related literature review and some group-based projects to increase their ability to utilize remote sensing tools in their research/thesis work.
This course focuses on introducing thunderstorms, squall lines, mesoscale convection systems, and their interactions with synoptic scale weather. We will also discuss impact synoptic scale weather, such as blizzards, floods, droughts. We will also look at methods of observing, analyzing, and predicting convective and mesoscale weather including the interpretation of satellite and radar images. A key reason for this course is understanding of middle-latitude, mesoscale weather systems. By “mesoscale” we mean storms that are significantly smaller than frontal cyclones and have typical lifetimes shorter than a day. These systems are dominated by convection. Their winds are not geostrophic. Mesocale weather is dramatic, spectacular, and sometimes deadly.
This is a team-taught course. Dr. Jiang taught the science port in Spring 2014. Global Climate Change: Science, Society and Solutions will seek to examine these themes through an interdisciplinary lens that includes physical, natural and social science aspects. Our class will address the core topics which are central to understanding global climate change. We will begin with an examination of “Climate Change Basics.” This section will provide you with the fundamental scientific understanding you need by examining the scientific principles and concepts that underlie climate change. The scientific method and its application will be central to your knowledge of climate change. They will serve as the basis for “Climate Change and Predictions and Impacts,” which follows. We will examine what climate change will mean from a global perspective―examining ecosystems and people around the world in highlighting vulnerabilities. This section will also focus on how changing environmental conditions can affect social conditions (for example, drought-like conditions leading to war over water rights). We will conclude with a section on “Climate Change Solutions,” which will discuss how the world arrived at the point we are at and what can be done about it, including current and future strategies. .
This course deals mainly with three branches of oceanography: 1) Geological Oceanograpgy: where we discuss the study of the structures of the ocean floor and the creation, evolution, and ultimate disappearance of sea floors. We also study the origin and properties of different types of sediments deposited on the ocean floor. 2) Chemical Oceanography: we discuss the chemical composition and unique properties of sea water. 3) Physical Oceanography: we study the formation of tides, waves, and ocean currents, the ocean-atmospheric relationship that influences weather and climate as well as the physical properties of sea water and how modern technology is used to study the oceans. Finally, we disucss how humans are affecting our oceanic environment.
GLY 5931 Graduate Seminar (1 credit). Presentation or critical examination of current research problems in Geosciecnes and Atmospheric Sciences. A selection of topics is considered each term. Topics may also include individual research in the student’s field of investigation.
GLY 6931 Advanced Graduate Seminar (1 credit). Oral presentation and discussion by students of an assigned literature survey, with reports by members of the seminar.
