Overview

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.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Bethan White

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Bethan White

Notes

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Scheduled teaching activities and/or workload information are subject to change in response to COVID-19, please check your Unit timetable and Unit Moodle site for more details.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Describe the basic thermodynamics of the atmosphere and the forces acting upon it, and explain how these forces lead to atmospheric motions;

2.

Identify and describe the main processes leading to the formation of clouds;

3.

Distinguish and classify different cloud types;

4.

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;

5.

Integrate key concepts of atmospheric physics and dynamics to analyse and solve quantitative meteorological problems

6.

Interpret quantitative meteorological information using appropriate mathematical, statistical, and graphical tools.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Assessment

1 - Homework
2 - Assignment 1
3 - Assignment 2
4 - Test 1
5 - Test 2
6 - Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Lectures
Tutorials

Workload requirements

Workload

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
A basic scientific calculator is required and costs approx $30.

Availability in areas of study

Atmospheric science
Earth science