Lecture Description
Mid-latitude frontal cyclones gain energy from temperature gradients rather than latent heat release as is the case with convective storms. They form in the belt of westerly winds and therefore generally move west to east in both the northern and southern hemispheres. A mid-latitude frontal cyclone develops from a kink in the polar front, and eventually warm and cold fronts develop around a low pressure center to form the storm. An example of this type of storm is a nor’easter, which commonly occurs in New England and is named for the northeasterly winds that precede the storm’s arrival. Weather forecasting is also discussed.
Course Index
- Introduction to Atmospheres
- Retaining an Atmosphere
- The Perfect Gas Law
- Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere; Residence Time
- Earth Systems Analysis (Tank Experiment)
- Greenhouse Effect, Habitability
- Hydrostatic Balance
- Horizontal Transport
- Water in the Atmosphere I
- Water in the Atmosphere II
- Clouds and Precipitation (Cloud Chamber Experiment)
- Circulation of the Atmosphere (Exam I review)
- Global Climate and the Coriolis Force
- Coriolis Force and Storms
- Convective Storms
- Frontal Cyclones
- Seasons and Climate
- Seasons and Climate Classification
- Ocean Bathymetry and Water Properties
- Ocean Bathymetry and Water Properties
- Ocean Water Density and Atmospheric Forcing
- Ocean Currents
- Ocean Currents and Productivity
- El Niño
- Ice in the Climate System
- Ice and Climate Change
- Isotope Evidence for Climate Change
- Global Warming
- Global Warming II
- Global Warming III
- Climate Sensitivity and Human Population
- The Two Ozone Problems
- The Ozone Layer
- Energy Resources, Renewable Energy
- Renewable Energy
- Review and Overview
- Lab - Quinnipiac River Field Trip
Course Description
This course explores the physical processes that control Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and climate. Quantitative methods for constructing mass and energy budgets. Topics include clouds, rain, severe storms, regional climate, the ozone layer, air pollution, ocean currents and productivity, the seasons, El Niño, the history of Earth's climate, global warming, energy, and water resources.