Weather and Climate Fundamentals

Summary module description:
A module combining introductory theory of meteorology, problem solving tutorials and meteorological data analysis.

Aims:
This module aims to develop the student's skills in the application of basic physical principles to middle latitude weather systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
Demonstrate and develop skills in scientific problem solving.
Understand and be able to explain basic physical laws and concepts and their significance to the atmosphere.
Write down formulae for the forces acting on air parcels and apply these using real data.
Understand and be able to explain the components of the Surface Energy Budget.
Understand and be able to explain the development of important weather systems in terms of basic physics.
Apply the first law of thermodynamics to air parcels and interpret the state of the atmosphere by analysis of tephigrams.

Additional outcomes:
This module will enhance general problem solving skills and skills in meteorological data analysis.

Outline content:
Theory lectures:
Thermodynamics: first law of thermodynamics for an air parcel, theory of thermodynamic diagrams and processes.
Atmospheric moisture: humidity mixing ratio, dew point temperature, relative humidity.
Dynamics: Forces acting on air parcels, pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, drag, forces in balance: hydrostatic, geostrophic and gradient wind.
Analysis of atmospheric state using a tephigram including dry and saturated adiabats, lifting condensation level, atmospheric stability.
Radiation laws and simple models.
Temperature gradient effects: Thermal wind balance and thermal advection.
Weather system analysis: mass conservation, divergence, vorticity, ageostrophic flow, vertical motion, jets, contribution of vertical motion to development of extratropical weather systems, frontogenesis

Practicals:
Plotting and analysis of tephigrams, surface, upper air and thickness charts.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Around 30 50 minute theory lectures, 20 50 minute tutorial sessions with either seminars on application of lecture material or problem sheets, 10 110-minute practical classes comprising of a mixture of chart analysis and scientific problem solving.

Summative Assessment Methods:

Written exam 50%
Written assignment including essay 20%
Practical skills assessment 30%

Formative assessment methods:
In the first term, one example sheet. In the second term, two formative practical exercises

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy.
The following penalties will be applied to coursework which is submitted after the deadline for submission:
? where the piece of work is submitted up to three days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark;
? where the piece of work is submitted more than three days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadine. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
(Please refer to the Undergraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guideUG.aspx)

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
1.5 hours.

Requirements for a pass:
40% overall.