GES3850

The Australian atmospheric environment - a synoptic-scale approach

Associate Professor Nigel Tapper

6 points - 3 hours per week on average (two lectures and one lecture plus one 2-hour practical in alternate weeks - Optional weekend field excursion - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: second-year physical geography or mathematics or permission of head of department - Flexible delivery mode available - Prohibition: ATM3211

Objectives In order to successfully complete this subject students will need to show that they have a comprehensive understanding of synoptic-scale weather formation processes obtained both from formal class contact and from the wide body of scientific literature pertaining to these topics; can synthesise and interpret the relevant material in such a way that the important ideas and arguments can be coherently communicated to others at a reasonably advanced level, either by written or oral means; are familiar and proficient with a range of practical techniques used in standard atmospheric analysis, including tephi-analysis, thickness analysis and the calculation of the thermal wind, and interpretation of upper atmospheric and surface weather charts; have developed a full appreciation of the role of atmospheric observation in understanding synoptic-scale weather processes and in the development of the weather forecast.

Synopsis This subject examines the synoptic-scale weather processes and phenomena of importance in the Australasian region. After considering some of the important background principles (the equation of state, pressure-height relation etc.), the first part of the subject deals with atmospheric stability and air mass characteristics. The origins of horizontal motion and the thermal wind concept are covered next, leading to a comprehensive discussion of processes important in the generation of synoptic-scale weather systems (convergence and divergence, vorticity etc.). Following a review of tropical and temperate weather systems and their development in the Australasian region (frontogenesis, cyclogenesis etc.) the subject concludes with a discussion of weather forecasting in the region.

Assessment Written (2000 words): 40% - Examination (2 hours): 40% - Practical work/fieldwork: 20%

Prescribed texts

Sturman A P and Tapper N J The weather and climate of Australia and New Zealand OUP, 1996

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook