New atmospheric observation systems are being developed constantly with the accelerated development of technology in today's world. Standard meteorological measurements that were made by atmospheric scientists 30 years ago are now all made automatically, processed by computer, and there is little for forecasters to do but click to have an exensive set of observations arrive magically on the screen for use. This continuous progression of new instrumentation gradually makes its way from conception, to development, to testing, to validation, to critical evaluation of impact, and finally to operational systems. Over the course of an atmospheric science career, there will be many revolutions in the type of instrumentation one will be using.
This senior level class is focussed on combining the theory and skills students
have acquired in the course of their studies and applying them to
understanding the weather in an actual case study. Students
will design and carry out their own meteorological field measurement
campaign based on their specific interests.
The class uses the same state of the art
meteorological instrumentation used in operational forecast offices and
focuses on developing data analysis skills in an applied situation.
Basic information on boundary layer meteorology
will be presented in lectures to supplement the necessary background for
interpreting surface observations.
The analysis skills that are learned will help students confidently
learn how to use observation systems in
their future careers, and learn teamwork and collaboration skills for
achieving a common objective.
The second part of the course gives a short
introduction to radar and satellite observations in collaboration
with the National Weather Service Office in Syrause, Indiana.
The class will include a one day field trip to the office to
become familiar with with their Advanced Weather Interactive Processing
System (AWIPS). The course also introduces the students to new atmospheric
instrumentation research ongoing at Purdue.
