ABOUT THIS BOOK

One of the greatest challenges facing atmospheric science instructors is helping students link theoretical and mathematical concepts to the real atmosphere. The past decade has been characterized by remarkable advances in meteorological observation, computing techniques, and data-visualization technology. However, the benefit of these advances can only be fully realized with the introduction of a systematic, applied approach to meteorological education that allows well-established theoretical concepts to be used with modernized observational and numerical datasets.

This lab manual is a tool designed just for this purpose; it links theoretical concepts with groundbreaking visualization to elucidate concepts taught in the companion textbook by Gary Lackmann, Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology, the most current text available on modern weather forecasting techniques. When used in concert with Lackmann’s book and its companion CD of lecture slides, this lab manual will guide students in using contemporary observational and visualization techniques to provide in-depth understanding of fundamental concepts and serve as a catalyst for student-led innovation and application. With topics considered in an order that reinforces and builds upon new knowledge in meteorological observation and analysis, these materials will help students to deepen their understanding of synoptic-dynamic meteorology, synoptically-driven mesoscale phenomena, numerical weather prediction, ensemble prediction, and more, and put this understanding into practice.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Gary Lackmann is professor of atmospheric sciences in the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University. Brian E. Mapes is professor of meteorology and physical oceanography at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences of the University of Miami. Kevin R. Tyle is a senior programmer analyst in the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the University of Albany, State University of New York.

REVIEWS

“An excellent synthesis of modern midlatitude synoptic-dynamic meteorology that will serve advanced undergraduate and graduate atmospheric science students as well as working scientists and forecasters very well.”

— Lance Bosart, University at Albany, State University of New York, on the companion textbook

“Lackmann fulfills a desperate need among today’s students and teachers. No book has more approached Rossby’s vision of a bridge across the gap between theory and observation than Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology.”

— Dave Schultz, University of Manchester, on the companion textbook

“Lackmann has given students of meteorology the gift of an outstanding, up-to-date textbook on weather analysis and forecasting. He combines the building blocks of theory with modern observations and modeling to provide an exceptionally clear understanding of the workings of our atmosphere.”

— Steven Businger, University of Hawaii, on the companion textbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Introduction

1. Basics

2. Quasigeostrophic Theory

3. Isentropic Analysis

4. The Potential Vorticity Framework

5. Extratropical Cyclones

6. Fronts

7. Cold-Air Damming

8. Winter Precipitation Processes and Prediction

Acknowledgments