This course is an introduction to the basic principles governing both day-to-day weather and the average of weather, or climate. A broad overview will be given on the physical processes that lead to different types of weather and how weather varies from day-to-day and place-to-place across the globe. Specific focus will be given to the tools we use to measure weather and the ways in which these tools have impacted our understanding of weather in the past and present. Links will be made between the technology-based improvements of our understanding of weather and the impact on the lives of humans throughout recent history. This will include addressing the question, “How would our lives change if we did not have a weather forecast?” and discuss how the availability of weather-related technology around the world has led to cultural and economic diversity. Students will learn about how weather forecasts are made, and how the quality of these forecasts affects our lives. This course will also cover how weather may change in the future under our warming climate. Many students will find the basic concepts and ideas discussed in the course will have applications in their fields of interest as well as applications to their daily lives.
As specific objectives and expected outcomes of this course, students will:
- Describe the physical processes that lead to different types of weather and the time and space scales on which this weather changes.
- Describe the role that weather and weather forecasts play in our everyday life.
- Explain the role improving technology has played in our ability to understand and forecast weather around the world.
- Recognize the tools we use to measure weather and how the availability of these tools in recent history has impacted individuals, societies and cultures around the world.
- Review societally relevant environmental issues including those related to climate change and global warming, and discuss ways to address these issues.