GES3850

The Australian atmospheric environment: a synoptic-scale approach

Associate Professor Nigel Tapper

6 points
* 3 contact hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture and a 2-hour practical in alternate weeks)
* Optional weekend field excursion
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: second-year physical geography or mathematics, or permission of the head of department

Objectives In order to successfully complete this subject the student 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/field work: 20%

Prescribed texts

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