METEO 122

Atmospheric Environment

METEO 122

ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
Growing in the Wind

Lecture: 1:25-2:15 p.m. Mon, Wed & Fri – 106 Sackett Hall

Professor: Dr. Scott Isard
Office: Rm 205, Buckhout Lab
Office phone: 865-6290
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Mon, Wed & Fri 3:30-5:00 p.m.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

Lutgens and E. J. Tarbuck. (2016). The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology (13th Edition): Prentice Hall.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

By the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and discuss a) the effect of weather elements on plants and animals, b) how the major weather elements interact to govern storms, daily weather, and climate, and 3) how humans are changing our atmospheric environment.

INTRODUCTION

Atmospheric Environment: Growing in the Wind is for students who are interested in learning about the dynamic effects of weather on plants and animals. It is about how processes at the ground surface and in the air govern weather conditions on Earth. Growing in the Windfocuses on five major weather elements: energy, temperature, moisture, pressure, and wind and how these factors govern ecosystems and habitation of our planet. Emphasis is also given to human impacts on weather and climate, and current environmental issues involving the atmosphere. The lectures are organized around the central theme that the unequal distribution of incoming solar energy (both spatially and temporally) produce temperature and pressure contrasts at the Earth’s surface and in the atmosphere that in turn cause storms and control the weather and climate.

No prerequisites beyond high school algebra are required. An interest in agriculture, the natural sciences and the environment in general will be helpful for this course.

"Whether the weather is cold, or whether the weather is not, we'll weather the weather, what ever the weather, whether we like it or not!"

LECTURES

The lecture schedule for Growing in the Wind is provided below. The schedule may change slightly as the course progresses; however, if this happens you will be informed either in class or by email. Slides and lecture notes are available on the Canvas website as power point presentations. There will be Key Concept assignments and Quizzes given in lecture throughout the course of the semester. They will be administered with 5 minutes left in the lecture period and cover the material discussed in the preceding 45 minutes. Each Key Concept assignment and Quiz will be worth 5 points.

READINGS

The Chapters for the readings are listed next to the lecture topics below. A total of 10 points can be earned for reading each chapter by taking the associated Open Book Chapter Quiz that is available on the Canvas website. The quizzes consist of 10 questions and will last for 10 minutes. The quizzes can be taken a total of 3 times and only the highest grade will be recorded. Quizzes will be available to take before and until 11:59 p.m. on day that the readings are assigned and unavailable thereafter. The schedule for the last day when each Open Book Chapter Quiz is available is provided below.

EXAMS

Exams will consist of short essay and multiple choice questions. They will cover lecture, reading, and project materials.

CLASS LABS

There will be 3 class lab projects during the semester. Students will work in small groups on the assignments and make oral presentations of their results to the class.

GRADING
There are 765 points that may be earned in Growing in the Wind. Grades are generally based on a straight scale (90+ % is an A, 80-90 % is a B, 70-79% is a C, 60 to 69% is a D, < 60% is a F).

Exam I Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
Exam II Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
Exam III Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
Exam IV Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
Labs - 3 Labs projects: each worth 50 points = 150 pts.
Book Chapter Quizzes 13 book chapter quizzes: each worth 10 points = 130 pts.
Key Concept Assignments - 18 assignments: each worth 5 points = 90 pts.
Lecture Quizzes - At least 4 lecture quizzes: each worth 5 points = 20 pts.

Total Points = 790 pts.

"Some people are weatherwise, but most are otherwise."

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance: You are responsible both for all the material covered in class discussions as well as for the readings. Frequent absences will negatively impact your performance.

Assignments: All assignments are due on the dates specified on the syllabus. The University has careful policies about your rights and responsibilities in the case of emergency and illness. Please, be familiar with them and do not try to abuse them.

Academic Integrity: Penn State defines academic integrity as the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. All students should act with personal integrity, respect other students’ dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts (Faculty Senate Policy 49-20).

Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated in this course. Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Students who are found to be dishonest will receive academic sanctions and will be reported to the University’s Judicial Affairs office for possible further disciplinary sanction.

Disability: The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities and is committed to the policy that all people shall have equal access to programs, facilities, and admissions without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course or have questions about physical access, please tell the me as soon as possible.

OPEN BOOK CHAPTER QUIZZES / LAST DAY AVAILABLE

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Atmosphere. 11:59 PM Tuesday, August 28
Chapter 2: Heating Earth's Surface and Atmosphere. 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 4
Chapter 3: Temperature. 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 11
Chapter 4: Moisture and Atmospheric Stability. 11:59 PM Sunday, September 30
Chapter 5: Forms of Condensation and Precipitation. 11:59 PM Tuesday, October 2
Chapter 6: Air Pressure and Winds. 11:59 PM Thursday, October 4
Chapter 7: Circulation of the Atmosphere. 11:59 PM Thursday, October 11
Chapter 8: Air Masses. 11:59 PM Tuesday, October 23
Chapter 9: Midlatitude Cyclones. 11:59 PM Tuesday, October 30
Chapter 10: Thunderstorms and Tornadoes. 11:59 PM Sunday, November 4
Chapter 11: Hurricanes. 11:59 PM Thursday, November 8
Climate 15: World Climates. 11:59 PM Tuesday, November 27
Chapter 14: The Changing Climate. 11:59 PM Thursday, December 7

Course Summary: Date Details

Mon Aug 20, 2018 Lecture: Orientation
Wed Aug 22, 2018 Lecture: Physical Characteristics of Earth and Atmosphere
Fri Aug 24, 2018 Read Chapter 1
Lecture: Composition and Layers of the Atmosphere
Key Concept: Composition and Layers of the Atmosphere
Mon Aug 27, 2018 Lecture: Human Impact on the Atmospheric Environment: Ozone Depletion
Key Concepts: Ozone Depletion
Tue Aug 28, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 1 due by 11:59pm
Wed Aug 29, 2018 Read Chapter 2 12am
Lecture: Earth-Sun Relationships & Energy, Heat and Temperature 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Earth-Sun Relationships & Energy, Heat and Temperature due by 11:59pm
Fri Aug 31, 2018 Lecture: Solar and Terrestrial Radiation 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Radiation and Energy Balances due by 11:59pm
Mon Sep 3, 2018 Labor Day 12am
Tue Sep 4, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 2 due by 11:59pm
Wed Sep 5, 2018 Read Chapter 3 12am
Lecture: Temperature Controls and Distribution 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Temperature Controls and Distribution due by 11:59pm
Fri Sep 7, 2018 Lecture: Human Impact on the Atmospheric Environment: Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect due by 11:59pm
Mon Sep 10, 2018 Lab I: Weather Resources on the Internet: Introduction 1:25pm to 2:15pm
AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 1: Weather Resources on the Internet due by 11:59pm
Tue Sep 11, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 3 due by 11:59pm
Wed Sep 12, 2018 Lab I: Weather Resources on the Internet: Work Session 1:25pm to 2:15pm
AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 2: Weather Resources on the Internet due by 11:59pm
Fri Sep 14, 2018 Lecture: Biometerology of Plants, Animals and Humans 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Biometeorology due by 11:59pm
Mon Sep 17, 2018 Lab I: Group Presentations 1:25pm to 2:15pm
AG/MET Lab I Part A: Weather Resources on the Internet due by 11:59pm
AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 3 & 4: Weather Resources on the Internet due by 11:59pm
AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 5: Weather Resources on the Internet due by 11:59pm
Wed Sep 19, 2018 Lecture: Spillover and Exam I Review 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Fri Sep 21, 2018 Exam I 1:25pm to 2:15pm
AG/MET Lab I Part C: Weather Resources on the Internet due by 11:59pm
Mon Sep 24, 2018 Read Chapter 4 12am
Lecture: Exam I Return and Phase Changes of Water 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Wed Sep 26, 2018 Lecture: Moisture in the Atmosphere 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Moisture in the Atmosphere due by 11:59pm
Fri Sep 28, 2018 Lecture: Lifting and Stability 1:25pm to 2pm
Key Concepts: Lifting and Stability due by 11:59pm
Sun Sep 30, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 4 due by 11:59pm
Mon Oct 1, 2018 Read Chapter 5 12am
Lecture: Forms of Condensation and Precipitation 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Condensation and Precipitation Mechanisms due by 11:59pm
Tue Oct 2, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 5 due by 11:59pm
Wed Oct 3, 2018 Read Chapter 6 12am
Lecture: Air Pressure and Winds 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Air Pressure and Winds due by 11:59pm
Thu Oct 4, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 6 due by 11:59pm
Fri Oct 5, 2018 Read Chapter 7 12am
Lecture: Scales of Motion, Global Circulation Models, and Hadley Cells 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Global Circulation and Hadley Cells due by 11:59pm
Mon Oct 8, 2018 Lecture: Global Circulation and Westerlies 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Global Circulation and Westherlies due by 11:59pm
Wed Oct 10, 2018 Lecture: El Nino 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Thu Oct 11, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 7 due by 11:59pm
Fri Oct 12, 2018 Lecture: Spillover and Exam II Review 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Mon Oct 15, 2018 Exam II 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Wed Oct 17, 2018 Lecture: Exam II Return 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Fri Oct 19, 2018 Read Chapter 8 12am
Lecture: Air Masses 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Air Masses due by 11:59pm
Mon Oct 22, 2018 Read Chapter 9 12am
Lecture: Midlatitude Cyclones 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Tue Oct 23, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 8 due by 11:59pm
Wed Oct 24, 2018 Lecture: Midlatitude Cyclones continued 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Mid-latitude Cyclones due by 11:59pm
Fri Oct 26, 2018 Lab II Introduction 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Mon Oct 29, 2018 Lab II Work Session 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Tue Oct 30, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 9 due by 11:59pm
Wed Oct 31, 2018 Read Chapter 10 12am
Lecture: Thunderstorms 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Thunderstorms due by 11:59pm
Fri Nov 2, 2018 Lecture: Tornadoes 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Tornadoes due by 11:59pm
Sun Nov 4, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 10 due by 11:59pm
Mon Nov 5, 2018 Read Chapter 11 12am
Lecture: Hurricanes 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Key Concepts: Hurricanes due by 11:59pm
Wed Nov 7, 2018 Lecture: Spillover and Exam Review III 1:25pm to 2:15pm
EXTRA CREDIT Lab II Part B3 Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data due by 11:59pm
Lab II Part A: Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data due by 11:59pm
Lab II Part B1: Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data due by 11:59pm
Lab II Part B2 Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data due by 11:59pm
Lab II Part B4 Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data due by 11:59pm
Thu Nov 8, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 11 due by 11:59pm
Fri Nov 9, 2018 Exam III 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Mon Nov 12, 2018 Lecture: Exam III Return 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Wed Nov 14, 2018 Read Chapter 15 12am
Lecture: Climate Classification 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Fri Nov 16, 2018 Lecture: Tropical and Dry Climates 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Mon Nov 19, 2018 Thanksgiving 12am
Wed Nov 21, 2018 Thanksgiving 12am
Fri Nov 23, 2018 Thanksgiving 12am
Mon Nov 26, 2018 Lecture: Midlatitude, Polar and Highland Climates 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Tue Nov 27, 2018 AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 15 due by 11:59pm
Wed Nov 28, 2018 Lab III: Introduction 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Fri Nov 30, 2018 Read Chapter 14 12am
Lecture: Changing Climates 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Mon Dec 3, 2018 Lecture: To What Degree 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Wed Dec 5, 2018 Lab III Presentations 1:25pm to 2:15pm
Lab III Part A Severe Weather Broadcast due by 11:59pm
Lab III Part B Severe Weather Broadcast due by 11:59pm
Fri Dec 7, 2018 Lecture: Spillover and Exam IV Review 1:25pm to 2:15pm
AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 14 due by 11:59pm
Lab III Part C Severe Weather Broadcast due by 11:59pm