MTMW15-Extra-tropical Weather Systems

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: MTMW11 Fluid Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Oceans
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof John Methven
Email: j.methven@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Dynamical knowledge of the development of synoptic-scale weather systems
in the extra-tropical latitudes will be developed in this module.

Aims:
To develop a modern understanding (from the 'potential vorticity
thinking' perspective) of the dynamics of synoptic-scale weather systems
in the extra-tropical latitudes, and to relate this knowledge to
observations.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

• Provide a suitable mathematical and conceptual description of mid-latitude, synoptic-scale weather systems;

• Explain, physically and mathematically, the origins of synoptic-scale vertical motion, waves and cyclones, and develop quantitative estimates of their properties;

• Critically assess the relevance of conceptual models through comparison with observations.

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their skills in the quantitative analysis of
weather systems and the
scaling of atmospheric motions. Students will learn to validate their
calculations through physical principles.

Outline content:

• Equations for the extra-tropics;

• The quasi-geostrophic equations;

• Potential vorticity thinking;

• Vertical motion and the omega equation;

• Dynamical interpretation of regions of vertical motion in cyclones and fronts;

• Rossby waves;

• Conceptual models of baroclinic and barotropic instability;

• The Eady and Charney analytical models of baroclinic instability;

• Lifecycle of cyclones;

• Scaling of fronts and the semigeostrophic and Sawyer-Eliassen equations;

• Symmetric and convective instability.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures and (un-assessed) problem sheets. Students will give an oral and/or poster presentation on an agreed topic based on a published paper (assessed, 25% of the final mark). Full course notes and model answers to the problem sheets are provided.

ÌÇÐÄ̽»¨ lists for meteorology modules are available here .

<