ATMOS 6300 - Advanced Cloud Physics

Survey of small scale and large scale processes in the tropics. We will place special emphasis on near-real time examination of any tropical cyclones and hurricanes that may develop during the early weeks of the course, including operational and research datasets. We shall also include quantitative description of tropical phenomena including El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Madden-Julian Oscillation, easterly waves, and interactions between convective, mesoscale, and large-scale circulations, applications of remote sensing, and field programs. Emphasis is on using observed characteristics to develop a physical and dynamical understanding of phenomena over a range of scales. Students will undertake evaluation of recent literature or an independent research paper.