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This course deals with the fundamentals of weather and climate, and is the first of our Physical-Environmental Geography introductory course sequence. We begin by studying the solar system, and the earth's position with respect to the sun. We learn that seasonal variation in temperature is due primarily to the tilt of the earth's axis. Next, we study the thermal structure, pressure, and chemical composition of the atmosphere, and evaluate the impact of air pollution. This leads us to the concepts of radiant energy and the "Greenhouse Effect." Since radiant energy from the sun is the primary source of heat energy on earth, we spend about one week learning some principles including the electromagnetic spectrum, radiation emission and absorption, and basic rules of radiation. This ends part one, which culminates in an exam.The second part of the course begins with a discussion of net radiation balance, which describes how solar energy interacts with the atmosphere and the earth's surface. From this concept we discuss how and why air temperature varies throughout the day. The impact of the oceans on the temperature of coastal cities is used to explain why, for example, Seattle is warmer in winter than Cincinnati, and cooler in summer. Application of these principles leads to an understanding of the global patterns of temperature. Next, we examine the role of moisture in the atmosphere. We start with the concept of relative humidity, and demonstrate the instruments used to measure this property. This discussion provides the foundation for understanding cloud formation and adiabatic processes (which sounds complex but isn't), and ends part 2. In part 3, examine both surface winds and upper level winds such as the jet stream, and learn that wind is a response to spatial variations in atmospheric pressure. We then look at how high and low pressure cells develop. This leads to a discussion of cold and warm air masses and their associated fronts. We spend some time examining very strong low pressure cells (cyclones) as exemplified by hurricanes and tornadoes. Finally, we explain the geographic patterns of temperature and precipitation to understand global climates. The effect of human activity on local and global climate is evaluated. Further details are available in the course syllabus.
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