Course: WX 201

1. Course: WX 201 Meteorology for Pilots Meteorology: The study of the processes of the atmosphere which lead to weather Weather: The effects of the atmosphere on persons, places and things Instructor: Henry Robinson

2. Textbooks: • Meteorology Today,8thEdition Ahrens, • The Winds of Flight - Freeon www.lochlyn.org

3. Grading • Three Exams (20 points each; total of 60 points) • Each exam covers material since last exam. All exams have equal weight toward final grade. • Homework 20 points total. 15 homework assignments. • Term Paper (20 points) • Final Exam (20 points optional)

4. Term Paper • Term paper should be 5-10 type typewritten pages on a weather related or meteorological topic. Emails accepted • More information will be given in a later class on term paper requirements.

5. Attendance • Attendance will be recorded daily. • Unexcused absences cannot be made up. • You are all enrolled inthe Dispatcher Program by default. You need to do some paperwork. The FAA requires 90% attendance for successful completion • Obtain verified excused absences from Health Services (7917) or Student Services Office (6326).

6. Homework • Homework is due the class day after the chapter is discussed. • Homework questions will be posted on BlackBoard in Word format. (See IT about obtaining MS Office software if you do not have access to Word and PowerPoint). • Homework tests comprehension of materials presented in book. • There will be no late homework accepted except for excused absences.

7. Makeup Exams • Make-up exams will not be given except for excused absences.

8. Assistance • Weather Lab (room 346) has computers and student tutors who will assist anyone needing help. • Anyone having difficulties or with special needs that hinder your learning in class, see me about providing accommodations needed to overcome your difficulties.

9. Office Hours/Contact Info • I am here to help you learn. See me if your have questions or are having trouble. • Office Hours: TTh 1300-1400 • Office Location: COA 355 • Phone: 226-6957 but best by email • E-mail: henry.robinson@erau.edu and henry.robinson@his.comuse WX-201 in subject

10. Homework Assignments • Read Chapter. • Answer 15 homework questions as posted on Blackboard for each Chapter. Put your answers on the Scantron sheet provided. • Be sure to put your name and chapter number on the Scantron sheet. • Hand day after Chapter is covered in class.

11. Composition of the Atmosphere WX 201 Henry Robinson

12. The Earth and Its Atmosphere • Overview • Vertical Structure • Weather and Climate

13. Atmosphere is a Gas • Three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas • Gas is made up of free molecules moving around. • Composition of gases on earth (as compared to other planets) is a function of the planet size, planet plate tectonics, and life.

14. Permanent Gases in the Earth’s Lower Atmosphere • Major Constituants: • Nitrogen (N2)    78.1% • Oxygen (O2)      20.9% • 99% of the atmosphere • Other permanent gases: • Argon (Ar)                0.9% • Neon  (Ne)               0.002% • Helium (He)              0.0005% • Krypton (Xe)            0.0001% • Hydrogen (H2)          0.00005%

15. Variable Gases in the Earth’s Lower Atmosphere • VARIABLE gases in the atmosphere are: • Water vapor (H2O)     0 to 4% • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 0.037% • Methane(CH4)         0.00017% • Ozone(O3)            0.000004% • (the first three are • greenhouse gasses)

16. Importance of the Gasses • Permanent Gases – O2 is good for breathing • Meteorological importance • Water Vapor • Ozone • Climatological importance • Carbon Dioxide, • Water Vapor • Ozone

17. Contribution to Warming • Carbon Dioxide increase is correlated with warming. It is the primary Greenhouse gas. • Warming means more evaporation and higher humidities. • May also increase methane production.

18. Measurements of CO2

19. One early warning phenomena

20. Problem is Solvable with Current Technology • Don’t waste energy • Don’t forget to lean! • Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb. • Move your thermostat down 2° in winter and up 2° in summer. • Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner. • See Climate Crisis web page for other things to do

21. Early Atmosphere • 5 Billion years ago when earth formed, atmosphere consisted of CO2, H2O, NH3 and CH4. • Life formed O2 from H2O, CO2 and CH4. Detritus buried carbon in coal, oil and natural gas. • Oceans dissolve CO2 slowly. Shells trap some CO2 into limestone.

22. Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere

24. Temperature

26. Measurements Aloft • Radiosondes – only one which measures the atmosphere directly • Satellite sounders • Aircraft measurements (ASDAR) • Radar • GPS sounders (not yet operational) • No good method for upper Stratosphere lower Ionosphere

27. Radiosonde

29. Barometer and Control Circuits

30. Temperature and Humidity Sensors

34. New Words • Lapse Rate – the change in temperature with height • The average lapse rate of the Troposphere is about 6 degrees Celsius per kilometer or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet • Shear – the change in wind with distance

35. Radiosondes • Expensive both in instrument costs which may be reconditioned and people costs. • However they are the only calibrated, direct measurements of the atmosphere we have. • Accuracy is sufficient +/- 0.25 degrees Celsius.

36. GPS and Radiosonde Data Locations

37. Satellite Sounding SystemTemperature at 500 hPa 7/15/2006 1331-1656 Z

39. Surface Weather Map

40. Weather Maps • ERAU • ADDS • Intellicast (WSI)

41. Weather Statements • Watches – be aware of impending Wx • Warnings – Weather is happening • Airmets – Small Plane Watch • Sigmets – All Aircraft Watch

42. Meteorology: The study of the processes of the atmosphere which lead to weather • Weather: The effects of the atmosphere on persons, places and things

43. Summary • Administrative topics • Atmospheric constituents • Climate • Layers of the atmosphere • Measuring tools for upper atmosphere • Brief weather maps • Watches and warnings