ATOC 4720 – Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences and Dynamics

In this class we will quantitatively explore physical processes occurring in the atmosphere, with an emphasis on those processes that give rise to atmospheric circulations across a range of spatial and temporal scales. During the first two thirds of the semester we will explore the basic concepts required to understand the development and decay of mid-latitude storm systems. During the remainder of the semester we will explore other atmospheric phenomena as diverse as severe thunderstorms, mountain waves, and thermal circulation. Throughout the semester we will use real-world examples of atmospheric phenomena to illustrate the concepts being discussed in this class. At the end of the semester you should know the fundamental forces that drive atmospheric motion, be able to estimate the magnitude of these forces from standard weather maps, evaluate the types of atmospheric motion resulting from a balance of these forces, and understand the processes