GEOG 112: SYNOPTIC METEOROLOGY: THE ATMOSPHERIC PATTERNS RESPONSIBLE FOR SEVERE WEATHER

C.E. KONRAD SPRING 2005

MWF 1200-1250pm Murphey 204

Brief Description

In this course we will examine the atmospheric processes and patterns that produce different types of severe weather. We will view web based weather maps and other atmospheric data connected with particular extreme weather events. Although it will not be an emphasis, we will consider the impacts of some of the severe weather types. We will focus on severe weather events that have had a significant impact in North Carolina.   Lastly , we  will take time at the beginning of lecture to examine unusual  aspects our weather and extreme events occurring in other parts of the country.

Prerequisite

Geog 11 or 53  or  permission.

Course Text

Rauber et al (2002): Severe and Hazardous Weather, Kendall Hunt Publishing.

For more information see: http://www.atmos.uiuc.edu/~rauber/

Grades will be determined exclusively from two tests and a non-comprehensive final examination.

Lecture Schedule

1.  A conceptual model of the mid-latitude circulation and mass distribution  122-127; 132-145; 152-160
1. cold outbreaks  241-259

2. snow storms and wave cyclones  166-182; 188-204; 264-273

3. ice storms 207-217

4. windstorms (downslope flow and strong cyclones)  296-308

5. thunderstorms   313-330;  369-379; 407-424

6. tornadoes 337-363

7. hurricanes  447-475

8. floods  481-500

9. heat waves  537-558

10. drought 513-531