Instructor: Prof. Kristen Corbosiero, ETEC 413, 442-5852, kcorbosiero@albany.edu

Class hours: Lecture: Tuesday & Thursday 1:30-2:50 PM in ETEC 450 (Map Room); Discussion: Wednesday 4:30-5:25 PM in ETEC 480

Office hours: Monday 10:30-11:30 AM, Tuesday & Thursday 11 AM-12 PM, and by appointment (see Syllabus for Zoom info)

T.A.: Tyler Leicht, ETEC 412, tleicht@albany.edu, Wednesday 11:30 AM-12:30 PM and 3-4 PM

Prerequisites: ATM 311, 317, and 350

Course objectives: The primary goal of this course is to bridge the gap between theory and observation in the study of midlatitude weather phenomena. We will achieve this goal through the application of fundamental principles of dynamic meteorology, including quasigeostrophic theory and potential vorticity, to analyze real-time examples and classic case studies. In addition, key components of the course will be map discussions, participation in the Albany forecast contest, and the completion of an original research project.

Topics:

~ Review of governing equations and balances

~ Jet streak circulations and ageostrophic flow

~ Quasi-geostrophic (QG) theory

~ Thermal vorticity

~ Q vectors

~ Fronts and frontogenesis

~ Potential vorticity (PV) thinking

~ Isentropic analysis

~ Dynamic tropopause

Recommended texts:

Bluestein, H. B., 1992: Principles of Kinematics and Dynamics, Vol. I, Synoptic-Dynamic Meteorology in Midlatitudes. Oxford University Press, 431 pp.

Lackmann, G., 2011: Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology: Dynamics, Analysis and Forecasting. American Meteorology Society, 345 pp.

Martin, J. E., 2006: Mid-latitude Atmospheric Dynamics: A First Course. Wiley Press, 324 pp.

Grading: Quizzes (20%); Exam (20%); Research project (20%); Homework and lab assignments (20%); Map discussions (15%); Forecasting and class participation (5%) [Your lowest quiz score and homework/lab grade will be dropped.]

Class format and attendance: This is a fast-paced, rigorous class; unexcused absences are not acceptable and class attendance/participation is expected. Make-up exams and quizzes will not be given except for an illness documented by a physician, official college-sponsored activities with appropriate documentation, or a death in the immediate family. Homework assignments that are turned in late will be subject to a 10% deduction in grade per day late.

This being said, we are still living through the aftermath of a global pandemic. I want you to enjoy taking and learning in this class (because I love teaching it!), so we’re going to practice and extend as much patience, flexibility, and compassion as possible this semester. Please let me know as soon as possible if you start to experience difficulties related to school, work, family, etc., and I will work with you to find solutions. For example, if you feel sick or need to miss class, please let me know. I have recorded lectures from Fall 2020, which can be shared, and/or class can be streamed.

Absence due to religious observance: Any student who is unable, because of her or his religious beliefs, to attend classes on a particular day or days shall, because of such absence on the particular day or days, be excused from any examination, study, and/or work requirements. Please notify me in a timely manner of any upcoming absences and see New York State Education Law, Section 224-A for further details.

Academic integrity: Cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable and will result in a zero for this class and can potentially result in suspension from the University. It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with the standards of academic integrity. The following university website provides additional information:

http://www.albany.edu/undergraduate_bulletin/regulations.html.