6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Dr Ailie Gallant
Dr Bethan White
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit examines atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics, including cloud processes, the dynamics and prediction of severe storms (including tornadoes and tropical cyclones), the structure and evolution of extra-tropical cyclones and their associated fronts, and the techniques used in forecasting the day-to-day weather.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Describe the basic thermodynamics of the atmosphere and the forces acting upon it, and explain how these forces lead to atmospheric motions;
- Identify and describe the main processes leading to the formation of clouds;
- Distinguish and classify different cloud types;
- Apply conceptual knowledge of the atmosphere to real-life weather systems, including severe storms, tornadoes and tropical cyclones, and use appropriate techniques for forecasting day-to-day weather;
- Integrate key concepts of atmospheric physics and dynamics to analyse and solve quantitative meteorological problems
- Interpret quantitative meteorological information using appropriate mathematical, statistical, and graphical tools.
Assessment
NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Assignments and practicals: 30%
Tests: 20%
Examination (2 hours): 50%
Workload requirements
- Three hours of lectures
- One 2-hour tutorial per week
See also Unit timetable information