Introduction to Meteorology

Definition of Meteorology

• Study of the atmosphere and phenomena within it.
• Term coined by Aristotle, who wrote the first book on weather titled Principia Meteorologica (The Principles of Meteorology).
• In Aristotle's time, "meteors" referred to anything that fell from the sky, including rain, snow, and other weather phenomena.

Misconceptions About Meteorologists

• Many associate meteorologists solely with television weather forecasts (broadcast meteorology).
• Meteorologists have diverse careers, including:
  • Field Meteorology: Involves studying weather conditions on-site during events like tornadoes and floods.
  • Incident Meteorology: Focuses on understanding atmospheric causes of disasters.
  • Data Analysis: Most meteorologists analyze data, models, and satellite imagery to predict weather.

Main Subfields of Meteorology

• The American Meteorological Society outlines three main subfields essential for understanding meteorology:
  1. Physical Meteorology:
     • Focuses on the physical properties of the atmosphere.
     • Topics include raindrop formation, heat transfer from the sun, and atmospheric pressure.
  2. Dynamic Meteorology:
     • Studies wind patterns and atmospheric motion (e.g., hurricanes, jet streams, global circulations).
  3. Synoptic and Mesoscale Meteorology:
     • Concerns weather forecasting and storm systems (cyclones, fronts, severe weather).
     • Combines physical and dynamic aspects for a comprehensive understanding.

Climate and Climate Change

• Climate: Average weather conditions for a specific location over time.
  • Example: San Jose has dry summers and wetter winters.
  • Example: Minneapolis experiences extreme cold in winter due to Arctic air.
• Climate Change: Refers to shifts in normal weather patterns over time (e.g., changing rainfall patterns).

Course Structure

• Approximately 75-80% of the course will cover weather, while a smaller portion will address climate and climate change.
• Class will involve analyzing weather maps and models.

Textbook Information

• Recommended Textbook: Essentials of Meteorology: An Invitation to the Atmosphere by C. Donald Ahrens.
• Not required but suggested for deeper understanding.
• Previous editions (6th or 7th) are sufficient; purchasing the latest edition is unnecessary.

Course Expectations and Support

• The class is designed to be approachable, but students should expect challenges.
• Encouragement to reach out for help: Instructor is available for support and aims for student success.
• Importance of communication: Students should not hesitate to contact the instructor for assistance.

Summary

• The course will go through the various aspects of meteorology, addressing key subfields and their applications.
• Students are encouraged to engage with the material and seek help when needed.
• The initial module concludes, preparing for in-depth exploration of atmospheric science.