James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

PH5012:03

Meteorology

Townsville

Inadmissable Subject Combination: PH4001

25 lectures. Second semester.

Staff: Mr R Jaycock.

Midlatitude systems – observed structure of midlatitude synoptic systems; diagnostic equations, numerical predictions; idealised model of a developing baroclinic system; baroclinic instability and cyclogenesis; frontal systems and surfaces of discontinuity.

Tropical Systems – observed structure of large scale tropical systems; convection; origin of tropical disturbances; Tropical cyclones-structure, life cycle and models.

General Circulation – thermally driven circulation, the tropical monsoon; global energy and momentum; the energy cycle, global thermodynamics.

Learning Objectives:

  1. to obtain a fundamental understanding of the physical processes controlling the behavior of the lower atmosphere in general and factors influencing the weather in particular.

Assessment by tests and assignments.