Helpful Hints for Writing Case Studies

1. Helpful Hints for Writing Case Studies

2. Introduction • Should contain a “hook” (something that grabs the reader's attention and compels him/her to keep reading) – usually this takes the form of stating why the case was remarkable • Don't go overboard, or exaggerate! • Should move from the hook toward a hypothesis • Give a brief outline of the structure of the paper to follow

3. Data • Should include a list of ALL the data sources used (i.e. surface/upperair obs, model output, RADAR and satellite obs, etc.) • Be as specific as possible (i.e. include date and time of information when necessary)

4. Synoptic Overview • Touch on the main features with an eye toward the mesoscale analysis (just like you do in weather discussion) • Doesn't have to be limited to a single analysis time • For example, in this lake effect case, the synoptic pattern was noteworthy and important for an entire week • Should be logically organized (e.g. start with the longwave pattern, then shortwaves (if important), then surface features...)

5. Mesoscale Analysis • Should quickly zero in on the processes / mechanisms contributing to the event • Should smoothly transition from the synoptic overview and be logically organized • Your main assertions should be supported with figures (or carefully reasoned from previously supported assertions)

6. Conclusion • Should tie everything in the previous four sections together, reminding the reader why the study is important and summing up the evidence that supports the hypothesis.

7. Figures • Be sure that figures have properly labeled contours with clearly indicated units • Figures must be numbered and captioned • Be sure that the figures are numbered in the order that you refer to them in the text • NEVER include a figure that you don't refer to in the text!!

8. Figures • Think carefully about the “required” figures • they are required for a reason and you should refer to them in the text • For example, you could use your cross-sections to discuss boundary layer depth growth and the structure of the lake effect snow band

9. Figures • One strategy is to create far more figures than you'll need and use them in writing your rough draft • Once you are confident you have things the way you want them, make a final version of the figures you decide to use • If you do this, you can be sure that your figures are in proper order and that every figure you use is essential

10. General Tips on Writing • Avoid a loose, informal style (stay away from casual figures of speech) • but don't write too tersely, either (stick to all simple sentences) • Keep it in the 3rd person (no “I,”“we” or “you) • PROOFREAD!!

11. Last tips • If you make use of outside material (storm summaries, figures, etc.) be sure to cite the source in the text and provide detailed information in a REFERENCES section at the end of your paper • Find AMS formatting help at (copy the link to your browser): http://www2.ametsoc.org/ams/index.cfm/publications/authors/journal-and-bams-authors/journal-and-bams-authors-guide/formatting/