2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE3151 Dynamics of Weather Systems

10 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Juliane Schwendike
Email: J.Schwendike@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

- A prerequisite for this module is that students are familiar with vector calculus, differentiation (including vector differentiation), integration and partial differential equations. Modules that cover these topics are offered in several schools at the University of Leeds.
- SOEE1400 Weather would be useful but is not essential.
- SOEE2092 Meteorology and SOEE2210 Atmosphere Ocean Dynamics are recommended but are not essential.
- This module would work well with SOEE3700 Practical Weather Forecasting.
- Students who are in doubt if they have the right Maths pre-requisites should contact the module manager who will consider module entry on a case by case basis, depending on pre-requisite knowledge.

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE5680M

Dynamics of Weather Systems

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module deals with advanced principles in Meteorology with an emphasis on a physical understanding of the evolution of weather systems and on practical techniques of weather prediction, including those used by forecasters and other professionals. The module covers methods for analysis and prediction of weather on local and regional scales in the midlatitudes and tropics, including the evolution of cyclones, fronts, hurricanes and other weather systems as well as the influence of mountains on atmospheric flows and weather. This module suits students studying any of the Sciences, including Physical Geography and Engineering. It is also of interest to students with an interest in the outdoors and weather forecasting, who wish to expand their understanding of the natural environment. This module is taught in semester 2 and is assessed by a one-hour examination and one assessed report.

Objectives

On completion of this module:

In terms of practical skills, you should be able to:
- identify the most important tropical and extratropical weather systems over a range of scales on satellite images and weather charts
- describe fundamental atmospheric motions and storm development
- explain the physical mechanisms (the dynamics) that generate these systems and lead to their intensification and decay
- diagnose vertical motion, which leads to cloud formation and cyclone formation
- estimate the influence of mountains on the development of weather systems

In terms of transferable skills, you should have:
- recognised and used subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
- used the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
- referenced other scientific work in an appropriate manner
- developed skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills)
- developed an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

In terms of data analysis skills, you should have:
- received and responded to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual numerical, verbal, graphical)
- prepared, processed, interpreted and presented data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages
- solved numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques.

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages;
- using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information;
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills);
- finding and using peer-reviewed research articles to develop in-depth understanding of complex dynamical processes in the atmosphere.
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research.


The module places moderate emphasis on:
- applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
- appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory;
- solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

The module places some emphasis on:
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory;
- referencing work in an appropriate manner.

Syllabus

- Vorticity and rotating weather systems
- Quasi-geostrophic theory and potential vorticity
- Genesis, growth and decay of cyclonic storms
- Upper-level (tropopause) circulation dynamics
- Mountain weather, mountain waves and gravity waves
- Tropical cyclones, equatorial waves, easterly waves

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Example Class	4	1.00	4.00
Lecture	16	1.00	16.00
Private study hours			80.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- Reading and revision (36 hours)
- Exam preparation (14 hours)
- Project work (30 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Direct verbal feedback in examples classes
- Project work feedback.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Project report (1,500 words), linked to dynamical meteorology case study	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

If you fail any component of this module, you can register to re-sit the failed components at the next available opportunity. The re-sit for this module will take the form of a written piece of work of 1500 words.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:20:31

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