PHYS 299-02 Introduction to Weather and Climate.

This course is designed for those seeking a comprehensive survey of topics related to weather and climate. This course will be useful for a diverse audience including, science teachers, pilots, farmers, aspiring meteorologists and anyone else with an interest in weather, climate and related phenomena. Special emphasis will be placed on the earth's energy balance, the role of moisture in the atmosphere, cloud development, the formation of frontal systems, the evolution of middle latitude cyclonic systems and severe storms. This course involves a moderate amount of supplemental reading and a field exercise. Use of on-line information and resources is encouraged, and online assignments and quizzes will be part of the class, so basic knowledge of web surfing is assumed.