METR 210: Introduction to Weather & Climate

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Class Program

Meteorology

Credits

Weekly Contact Hours

Course ID

091786

Meets Degree Requirements For

Natural Science with Lab

Description

Explore Earth's atmosphere and the factors that determine weather, seasons and climate. Practice measuring and forecasting the weather. Learn to read weather maps, identify clouds, and understand the causes and consequences of extreme storms. Includes laboratory.

Grading Basis

Graded

Prerequisites

MATH 93 or higher

Course Learning Outcomes

Make systematic observations and measurement, shown in appropriate units and graphed results.

Read and draw weather maps including fronts, isobars, and weather station symbols.

Analyze and explain observations, experiments, and weather maps in terms of meteorological theory.

Forecast the weather based on the theory of polar fronts and mid latitude cyclones.

Describe the data sources, methods, and limitations of weather analysis and prediction.

Specify uncertainty (precision) in measurements, round calculated results to the correct precision, and convert units using dimensional analysis writing out each complete step in the calculation including all conversion factors with units included and, where appropriate, units cancelled.

State basic principles of physics and describe in writing how they explain atmospheric phenomena in terms of heat, temperature, pressure, gas behavior, electromagnetic radiation, and the shape and orbit of the earth.

Diagram and name the main layers of the atmosphere (vertical) and the latitudinal wind belts (horizontal) and explain how they function in terms of heat transfer and air pressure.

Quickly find current, detailed information on weather and climate.

Name, describe, and explain actual weather, including cloud types, wind directions, types of cyclones or anticyclones, and types of precipitation.

Rephrase in more scientific terms meteorological topics reported in the news media, and provide relevant explanations of the meteorology that go beyond the news report.

Core Topics

Weather; measuring weather elements; temperature; heat; heat transfer; electromagnetic radiation; convection; water phase changes; latent heat; water vapor saturation; dew point; humidity; clouds; fog; precipitation; atmospheric stability and instability; atmospheric pressure; partial pressure; pressure gradient force; Coriolis effect; wind direction; air masses; global air circulation; regional and local winds; weather fronts; midlatitude cyclones; anticyclones, ridges; troughs; weather maps; weather forecasting; thunderstorms; lightning; tornadoes, hurricanes; climate; climate controls; world climate zones; greenhouse gas; global climate models; climate change.