METEO 002
(GN)
Our Changing Atmosphere: Personal and Societal Consequences (3) A survey of meteorology emphasizing how the nature of our lives, individually/societally, depends upon atmospheric structure, quality, and processes.
METEO 002 Our Changing Atmosphere: Personal and Societal Consequences (3)
(GN)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
The primary objective is to provide the student with an understanding of the mechanisms that determine local and regional weather and climate patterns, with emphasis on how these factors impact individuals and society. We focus on the energy balance of the atmosphere and the forces that drive motion and that are ultimately responsible for surface properties such as precipitation and air quality. Cloud microphysical processes are discussed with emphasis on natural and man-made influences. The potential for inadvertent as well as planned modification of precipitation is discussed. Data sets are provided that enable the students to investigate climate change patterns and to assess the causes of these changes. Student teams are required to prepare reports of findings that are presented in class as well as in written form. Finally, we shall explore the governmental policy implications and responses to a variety of climate threats (including global warming, ozone depletion and urban pollution and heat islands). Students are asked to explore a variety of governmental policy initiatives and to assess the soundness of these initiatives. Course readings are selected from popular scientific literature as well as government documents. Students are evaluated on their comprehension of the physical process (as determined by written examinations) and the soundness of their individual and team efforts in a variety of projects. Because of the hands-on nature of this course, we envision an enrollment of no more than 30. The course will be offered every semester.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.