Course Setup and Structure

Instructor and Teaching Assistants

This section provides information about the course instructors and teaching assistants, including office locations and contact emails. Students are encouraged to reach out for academic support and clarification of course materials.

• Instructor: Dr. Zhaohua Wu (EOAS 6041 & COAPS 0295, zwu@fsu.edu)

• Teaching Assistant: Mr. Gavin White (EOAS, gaw22b@fsu.edu)

Class Arrangements

Lectures are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00 to 12:50 PM, primarily in-person, with occasional online sessions via Zoom when the instructor is traveling. The physical classroom is EOAS 6042, and online access is provided through the Canvas course website.

• Lecture Times: Mon/Wed/Fri, 12:00–12:50 PM

• Location: EOAS 6042 (in-person), Zoom (online via Canvas)

• Office Hours: To be determined (typically Mon/Wed/Fri preferred)

Course Content and Objectives

Overview of Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics

This course introduces students to the fundamental quantitative physical principles in thermodynamics and dynamics that underpin atmospheric sciences. The curriculum emphasizes both descriptive and quantitative approaches to understanding atmospheric behavior.

• Main Topics:

  • Atmospheric structure and composition

  • Thermodynamics of dry and moist air

  • Physics of atmospheric processes

  • Weather and circulation systems

  • Basic atmospheric dynamics

• Course Emphasis: Developing an understanding of the quantitative principles that govern the atmosphere, including physical explanations for observed phenomena.

• Intended Audience: Meteorology majors and students seeking deeper insight into meteorological science.

Descriptive vs. Quantitative Meteorology

Descriptive Meteorology

Descriptive meteorology focuses on the observation and reporting of atmospheric phenomena, such as weather forecasts, maps, and daily conditions. Most introductory meteorology education is descriptive, relying on visual and textual summaries of weather events.

• Examples:

  • Weather maps showing storm tracks

  • Daily temperature and precipitation forecasts

  • Textbook: Meteorology Today

Transition to Quantitative Meteorology

The course aims to move beyond descriptive meteorology by introducing the physical and mathematical principles that allow for the prediction and explanation of atmospheric behavior. This includes the use of equations and computational models.

• Key Equations in Atmospheric Science:

  • Momentum Equations: Describe the motion of air parcels in the atmosphere.

  • Thermodynamic Equations: Relate temperature, pressure, and energy changes in atmospheric processes.

  • State Equations: Connect variables such as pressure, temperature, and density (e.g., the ideal gas law).

  • Continuity Equations: Express conservation of mass in atmospheric flows.

• Example Equation:

  • Ideal Gas Law for dry air:

  • Where is pressure, is density, is the specific gas constant, and is temperature.

Additional info: Quantitative meteorology uses these equations to make physically based inferences and to run computational models for weather prediction.

Course Policies and Assessment

Attendance and Participation

Attendance is tracked and contributes to the final grade. Students begin with full attendance points, with deductions for unexcused absences. Excused absences require prior notification and documentation.

• Attendance: 20% of final grade

• Homework: 20% of final grade

• Quizzes: Three chapter quizzes, each 10%

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, 30%

Grading Policy

Grades are assigned according to a traditional percentage scale, with possible rescaling at the instructor's discretion. Extra credit opportunities may be provided.

Homework and Academic Integrity

Students are encouraged to discuss homework but must submit original work. Duplicate or copied assignments will result in a failing grade for both parties. Late homework is accepted within one week for half credit.

• Policy: Personal construction of answers required; plagiarism results in an 'F'.

• Late Submission: Accepted up to one week late for half credit.

Textbooks and Resources

Recommended Textbooks

Course materials and handouts will be posted on the Canvas site, primarily in PDF format. Students should check their FSU email daily for updates and information.

• Textbook Example: Meteorology Today (Cengage)

• Course Website: Canvas (for handouts, announcements, and Zoom links)

Summary Table: Course Assessment Components

Conclusion

This course provides a foundational understanding of atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics, preparing students for advanced study and research in meteorology. Emphasis is placed on both descriptive and quantitative approaches, with rigorous assessment and academic integrity policies.