ATMOS 5700 - Mesoscale & Radar Meteorology

Fundamentals of radar meteorology; use of surface-based, aircraft-based, and satellite-based radar to study clouds, rainfall, and storms. Quantitative description of cumulus convection, multicell and supercell storms, mesoscale convective systems, local circulations (thermal and terrain forcing), downslope windstorms. Emphasis is on using observed characteristics to develop a physical and dynamical understanding of phenomena over a range of scales. Whenever possible, we will undertake real-time examination of storms as they may develop around the country. Fundamental aspects of mesoscale and non-hydrostatic motions in the atmosphere. Such motions are ubiquitous over mountains and within the atmospheric boundary layer, convective systems, lake effect snowstorms, extratropical cyclones, and tropical cyclones. The course also describes how modern weather radars are used for the quantitative description and physical understanding of precipitating mesoscale systems. Mesoscale events will be examined as they develop around the country.