MetEd: Meteorology Education and Training. Operated by the COMET Program

Description:
The Mesoscale Meteorology Primer is a Web-based distance learning curriculum designed to improve understanding and forecasting of mesoscale weather phenomena. The primer is collection of modules that use streaming audio, conceptual animations, and frequent interactions. The modules fall into two types: short conceptual Foundation Topics describing basic physical processes and forecasting tools, and longer modules that address specific mesoscale weather phenomena. These longer modules present a realistic forecast scenario, interactions, and a final exam.

Originally conceived by instructors in the U.S. Navy and Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the participants also include meteorologists and multimedia developers from the COMET Program and the Air Force Weather Agency. Individual modules will take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. When complete, the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer will contain approximately 26 modules.

Estimated time to complete: varies by choice of modules

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Description:
This self-paced course discusses the principles of major mountain weather concerns with the aim of improving the prediction of sensible weather in areas with complex terrain.

The course organizes relevant modules and Webcasts on the MetEd Website into three parts: Foundation Topics, Core Topics, and a Case Study. By using our Registration & Assessment system, you can track your progress in the course and receive a course completion certificate.

Estimated time to complete: 9-12 h

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Description:
The goal of the EPV chart is to aid operational forecasters in predicting CSI and slantwise convection. The description includes links to the online chart, which is updated twice daily by the CMC, as well as a list of synoptic considerations that will support your use of the EPV chart in identifying regions favorable for CSI and slantwise convection.

Estimated time to complete: 20 min

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2002-01-05

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Description:
During this presentation, Dr. Brad Colman (NOAA/NWS) covers both the philosophical and methodological approaches to weather forecasting in general, with a special emphasis on challenges introduced in areas of complex terrain. The insightful comments made by the presenter regarding recommended approaches to applying conceptual models, mesoscale model output, and decision trees in the forecast process are useful to anyone who predicts the weather.

Objectives:
• Review the forecast process.
• Become aware of the challenges of forecasting in the diverse terrain of the Western U.S.
• Review the characteristics of mesoscale circulations.
• Describe the impact of complex terrain on simple geostrophic flow.
• Compare and contrast objective and subjective forecasting techniques.

Estimated time to complete: 35 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-12-22

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Description:
By the end of this module you will be able to answer...


* What is the mesoscale and how do we classify it?

* What is hydrostatic equilibrium?

* Why are non-hydrostatic processes so important to mesoscale meteorology?

* Why does forecasting mesoscale meteorology rely on model resolution?

* How might mesoscale processes impact fleet operations?

Objectives:
Terminal Objectives
By the end of this module you should be able to do the following:
1. Identify and classify mesoscale weather phenomena
2. Identify the NWP model characteristics required to forecast different mesoscale weather phenomena.

Enabling Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Recall the horizontal and time scales of mesoscale-alpha, mesoscale-beta, and mesoscale-gamma weather phenomena.
2. Given a list of weather phenomena, correctly classify them as either mesoscale-alpha, mesoscale -beta, or mesoscale -gamma
3. Describe hydrostatic balance.
4. Recall why non-hydrostatic processes are so important to mesoscale meteorology?
5. Recall the relationship between mesoscale and synoptic scale NWP models.
6. Describe the relationship between grid spacing and model resolution for NWP models.
7. Correctly estimate the NWP model resolution required to accurately simulate several mesoscale weather phenomena, including topographically forced weather, development of fog and low stratus, and development of convective storms.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2001-01-01

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Description:
Fog frequently forms in response to dynamically forced changes in the boundary layer. This module examines dynamically forced fog in the coastal and marine environment, focusing on advection fog, steam fog, and west coast type fog. The focus of the module is on the boundary layer evolution of air parcels as they traverse trajectories over land and water. The module also examines mesoscale effects that impact the distribution of fog and low-level stratus over short distances. A general discussion of forecast products and methodologies concludes the module.

Objectives:
After completing this module, the learner should be able to do the following things:

With regard to the general features of dynamically forced fog and stratus:

• Describe the differences in boundary layer characteristics and evolution for advection, West Coast, and steam fog in a marine environment
• Describe the differences in synoptic environments for advection, West Coast, and steam fog in a marine environment
• Describe the relationship of sea surface temperature to fog formation for advection, West Coast, and steam fog in a marine environment
With regard to advection fog:
• Describe the general synoptic environment that is conducive to fog formation
• List at least 2 ways that subtropical high-pressure systems contribute to the formation of advection fog
• Describe the evolution of the boundary layer along an air parcel trajectory that leads to advection fog
• Describe how sea surface temperature changes along an air parcel trajectory that leads to advection fog
• Recall the origins of strong sea surface temperature gradients
• On a world map, identify areas prone to advection fog
• Recall the seasonality of advection fog

With regard to West Coast fog and low stratus:

• Describe the general synoptic environment that is conducive to fog formation
• List at least 2 ways that subtropical high-pressure systems contribute to the formation of West Coast fog and low stratus
• Describe the evolution of the boundary layer along an air parcel trajectory that leads to West Coast fog and low stratus
• List at least 2 ways that the boundary layer cools to saturation in a West Coast fog/stratus event.
• Recall the role of upwelling in the formation of West Coast fog and low stratus
• On a world map, identify areas prone to West Coast fog and low stratus
• Recall the seasonality of West Coast fog and low stratus
With regard to steam fog:
• Describe the general synoptic environment that is conducive to fog formation
• Describe the characteristics and evolution of the boundary layer along an air parcel trajectory that leads to steam fog
• On a world map, identify areas prone to steam fog
• Recall the seasonality of steam fog events

With regard to mesoscale influences upon dynamically forced fog:

• Describe the effects of coastal topography in fog formation
• Describe how coastal jets affect fog formation and dissipation
• Describe how sea breezes affect fog formation and dissipation
• Describe the impact of local variations in sea surface temperature on fog formation and dissipation

With regard to forecasting dynamically forced fog:

• Describe the general approach to forecasting fog
• List at least 4 critical atmospheric fields to monitor in plan view when forecasting fog
• List at least 4 critical atmospheric fields to monitor in vertical profiles when forecasting fog
• Describe the limitations of NWP models in fog forecasting

Estimated time to complete: 3 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2005-03-01

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Description:
In this Webcast, Dr. James Steenburgh, working for the Department of Meteorology and the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Regional Prediction at the University of Utah, takes a look at cool-season orographic storms in western North America. He provides a brief microphysics review, an overview of cool-season orographic precipitation processes in several mountain ranges, and a look at forecasting tools and techniques. This Webcast is based on a classroom presentation given in Boulder, CO in December 2002.

Objectives:
• Improve knowledge of orographic precipitation processes and their geographical, climatological, and storm-to-storm variability.
• Build or enhance your orographic precipitation forecasting tool chest.
• Illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative precipitation forecasts by high-resolutions models in complex terrain.

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2004-08-09

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Description:
This module consists of four exercises where users identify surface features, distinguish clouds from snow on the ground, and determine cloud phase using multispectral analysis. The module also includes an overview of multispectral techniques available on many operational and research polar-orbiting satellites. A page with links to real-time polar-orbiting data and information is also included.

Objectives:
• State the properties of the 1.6 micrometer channel used in feature identification
• State the properties channels in the 3.5 to 4 micrometer region in feature identification
• List the advantages and limitations of the 1.6 micrometer channel in cloud identification
• List the advantages and limitations of the 1.6 micrometer channel in identifying snow on the ground
• List the advantages and limitations of channels in the 3.5 to 4 micrometer region for cloud identification
• List the advantages and limitations of channels in the 3.5 to 4 micrometer region in identifying snow on the ground
• Apply the properties of the visible, IR Window, 1.6 micrometer, and 3.7 micrometer channels to:
o Distinguish clouds from snow on the ground
o Determine the phase (ice or water) of clouds
o Detect the presence of fog
o Distinguish open water from ice-covered areas of lakes and rivers

Estimated time to complete: 1-2 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2002-07-03

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Description:
Forecasting Dust Storms is the latest module in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer. The module starts by discussing the conditions required for a dust storm, including an appropriate source of dust, sufficient wind and turbulence, and an unstable atmosphere. The module then explores the fate of dust in the atmosphere including dispersion, advection, and settling. The concluding section on forecasting examines a case in the Middle East and demonstrates the use of a mesoscale NWP model, as well as next-generation dust forecasting models.

Objectives:
After completing this module, the learner should be able to do the following things:

With regard to dust storm characteristics:

• Describe how visibility varies near severe dust storms
• Recall the average height of dust storms
With regard to sources of dust:
• Describe the soil types in appropriate source regions for dust storms
• Recall that blowing dust usually does not occur for at least 24 hours after a rainfall
• Identify potential source regions with satellite imagery

With regard to atmospheric conditions required for dust storms:

• Recall the threshold wind speed for lifting fine dust particles.
• Describe the atmospheric conditions that promote lofting of dust in terms of stability and turbulence
• List the 3 ways that turbulence typically arises in the atmosphere
• Describe the effect of nightfall on dust storms

With regard to the dissipation and dispersion of dust storms:

• Describe the atmospheric factors that influence the dispersion of dust
• Describe the effect of precipitation on suspended dust and why this occurs
• Recall how quickly dust settles once winds die down

With regard to the climatology of dust storms:

• List the most common synoptic patterns for raising dust in the Middle East
• Define Shamal
• List at least 3 mesoscale weather phenomena that result in dust storms
• Describe how haboobs and dust devils originate
• Describe how winter dust storms differ from summer dust storms

With regard to the satellite detection of blowing dust:

• Describe how dust appears on IR images, during both day and night and over both land and water
• Describe how dust appears on visible images, during both day and night and over both land and water
• Describe the advantages of imagery from polar orbiting and geostationary satellites
• With regard to forecasting dust storms:
• List the tools available for observing dust storms.
• Describe how mesoscale NWP models can help with a dust storm prediciton
• List the dust storm forecasting models and describe their respective advantages

Estimated time to complete: 2 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-10-23

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Description:
“Frontogenetical Circulations and Stability” is a Webcast by Dr. James T. Moore that focuses on an overview of different stability types, including convective, potential, inertial, conditional and symmetric, the concept of frontogenesis and associated circulations. The webcast concludes with a discussion of the role of stability in determining the character of frontogenetical circulations.

Objectives:
1. Understand various types of stability, including convective, potential, inertial, conditional and symmetric, and recognize when they might occur for a given forecast situation.

2. Understand the concept of frontogenesis/frontolysis and associated circulations that result.

3. Recognize the impact of stability on the character of frontal circulations.

Estimated time to complete: 45 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2007-10-24

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Description:
The goal of this training module is to help you increase your understanding of how mesoscale models work. Such understanding, in turn, can help you more efficiently and accurately evaluate model-generated forecast products.

Objectives:
Terminal Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe how mesoscale models work
2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different NWP models

Enabling Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe the benefits and limitations of mesoscale NWP models.
2. Describe the relationship between grid spacing and model resolution for NWP models.
3. Describe the pros and cons of increasing model resolution
4. Describe hydrostatic balance and how hydrostatic NWP models differ from non-hydrostatic NWP models
5. Define Eta, sigma, and pressure vertical coordinates schemes and describe their respective advantages.
6. Define parameterization and describe the benefits of its use in NWP models
7. List at least 3 processes that are typically parameterized.
8. Describe limited area model (LAM), spin-up, and warm start, and how they are all related.
9. Describe the benefits and limitations of a warm start.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2002-04-22

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Description:
This Webcast is based on a presentation given by Dr. James T. Moore of Saint Louis University at the 5th Annual MSC/COMET Winter Weather Workshop on 30 November 2004 in Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Moore reviews many aspects of jet streak dynamics including convergence/divergence, ageostrophic winds, propagation, and coupled jets.

Objectives:
• Define "jetstreak"
• Note the divergence associated with upper-level waves
• Describe the relationship of divergence with vertical windshear
• Describe the relationship of the ageostrophic wind components with upper-level and low-level jets
• Compare the direct thermal circulation in the entrance region with the indirect thermal circulation in the exit region of an upper-level jet
• Identify how the curvature of an upper-level jet affects divergence and convergence
• Describe the impact thermal advection has on vertical motion and entrance and exit circulations
• Gain an understanding of the characteristics of unbalanced jets and coupled jets

Estimated time to complete: 50 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2005-04-25

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Description:
Landfalling cyclones and their attendant fronts significantly impact the structure of mesoscale wind and precipitation fields along the west coast of North America. This module focuses on the complex interaction of the wind field with topography and the resulting effects on nearshore winds and precipitation. For example, prefrontal conditions may lead to flow blocking, development of a barrier jet, and seaward displacement of the maximum precipitation. Postfrontal conditions tend to promote windward ridging and lee troughing, which enhance along-coast flow.

Objectives:

Performance Objectives

After completing the module, the learner should be able to do the following tasks:

• Describe the conditions under which flow becomes blocked by topography.


• Given the wind speed, stability (Brunt-Vaisala Frequency), and mountain height, determine whether flow will be blocked by topography.


• Describe how the angle between a landfalling front and the coastline
  affects the flow/topography interaction.


• Describe how the prefrontal environment may experience enhanced stability.


• Describe the conditions that lead to formation of a barrier jet.


• Describe the change in the pressure field as cold fronts make landfall.


• Given a landfalling front under conditions conducive to flow blocking,
  describe the anticipated effects on the motion of the cold front, the
  wind field, and the precipitation field.


• Given a landfalling front under conditions that are not conducive
  to flow blocking, describe the anticipated effects on the motion of
  the cold front, the wind field, and the precipitation field.


• Describe the advantages in using a high-resolution model to forecast the
  effects of landfalling fronts, compared to lower-resolution models.

Estimated time to complete: 1.5 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2006-05-24

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Description:
This website provides access to the streaming presentations and PowerPoint source files for the 11 lectures delivered during the AMS Educational Forum “A Primer on Radar Analysis Techniques Used in Mesoscale Meteorology” held on 23 October 2005 in Albuquerque, NM. The presentations discuss how many advanced techniques for the analysis of meteorological radar data can be used to improve understanding of the structure, dynamics, and evolution of mesoscale circulations. The Forum was organized into four sections: 1) Microphysical Characterization of Precipitation Systems Using Dual-Polarization Radar Measurements, 2) Single Doppler Retrieval and Assimilation Techniques for Use in Mesoscale Models, 3) Analysis of Mesoscale Processes Using Wind Profiling Radars and Velocity Azimuth Display and 4) Airborne Doppler Radar Analysis of Tropical and Extratropical Mesoscale Systems.

Objectives:
The objective of the Forum was primarily to introduce graduate students to important radar analysis techniques as they are used in atmospheric science research with the goal of improving our understanding of the structure, dynamics, and evolution of mesoscale circulations. A basic, formal understanding of both radar and mesoscale meteorology is necessary to gain the most from the lectures. Each individual presentation is rated as either intermediate or advanced level content.

Estimated time to complete: 8 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2006-02-07

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Description:
The Mesoscale Aspects of Winter Weather Forecasting effort is comprised of a growing series of in-depth case exercises bundled with supporting topics. This site provides access to the supporting topics seperate from the case exercises.

Estimated time to complete:

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-10-12

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Description:
Precipitation frequently falls and accumulates in discrete bands with accumulations that vary markedly over short distances. This module examines several mechanisms that result in mesoscale banded precipitation, focusing primarily on processes at work in midlatitude cyclones. The module starts with a review of the Norwegian and conveyor belt cyclone models. Then several banding processes are examined in detail, including deformation/frontogenesis, the Trowal (Trough of Warm Air Aloft), frontal merger, CSI/slantwise convection, and melting/evaporation-induced circulations. The module concludes with discussions of the representation of banded precipitation by NWP models and the detection of banded precipitation with satellite sensors.

Objectives:
After completing this module, the learner should be able to do the following things.


With regard to the general features of mesoscale banded precipitation:

* Recall the operational definition of a precipitation band

* Describe the relationship between instantaneous and accumulated bands of precipitation

* Recall the basic requirements for precipitation and the role of atmospheric stability


With regard to the association between midlatitude cyclones and mesoscale banded precipitation:

* Recall and describe the different types of fronts in the Norwegian cyclone model

* Describe the typical precipitation field associated with each kind of front

* Distinguish an anafront from a katafront in forecast products

* Distinguish a cold occluded front from a warm occluded front in forecast products

* Recall and describe the types of air streams in the conveyor belt model of midlatitude cyclones

* Describe the relationship between air streams and fronts

* Describe the relationship between air streams and mesoscale banded precipitation

* Recognize different air streams in satellite images and forecast products

* Recall what a trowal is and where it occurs

* Describe the relationship between the trowal and banded precipitation

* Describe the trowal signature in forecast products

* Locate a trowal on satellite images and forecast products


With regard to processes that lead to mesoscale banded precipitation.

* Define the terms: deformation, frontogenesis, frontolysis

* Describe how deformation leads to frontogenensis

* Describe the vertical motions associated frontogenesis

* Describe how frontogenesis leads banded precipitation

* Recognize and diagnose deformation and frontogenesis in forecast products

* Describe circulations induced by melting and evaporation in the lower tropsphere

* Describe the relationship between melt/evaporation-induced circulations, frontogenesis, and banded precip

* Recognize and diagnose banded precipitation forced by melt/evaporation-induced circulations in forecast products

* Define frontal merger

* Describe the difference between frontal merger and frontal occlusion

* Describe a typical synoptic setting for frontal merger and its relationship with midlatitude cyclones

* Describe the relationship between frontal merger and banded precipitation

* Recognize and diagnose frontal merger in forecast products

* Describe the relationship between CSI and slantwise convection

* Describe the atmospheric conditions conducive to CSI

* Describe what atmospheric conditions lead to low inertial stability

* Recognize and diagnose CSI and slantwise convection with cross-sectional analysis.


With regard to the simulation of mesoscale banded precipitation by NWP models:

* Given the grid spacing determine the grid resolution

* Describe the characteristics of a hydrostatic atmosphere

* State why high-resolution NWP models need to be non-hydrostatic

* Describe the need for parameterization in NWP models

* Describe the pros and cons of parameterization versus explicit treatment of processes

* Describe the difference between prognostic and diagnostic moisture physics and the benefits of each

* Characterize COAMPS and NOGAPS


With regard to the detection of mesoscale banded precipitation by satellite sensors:

* Describe the benefits and drawbacks of satellite estimates of precipitation

* Recall at least 4 satellite sensors that measure precipitation

* Describe the benefits and drawbacks of the GOES Precipitation Index

* Describe the benefits and drawbacks of precipitation estimates derived from microwave sensors

* Describe how a blended precipitation product is derived

Estimated time to complete: 3 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2005-06-24

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Description:
This module presents current conceptual models of several MCS types and provides explanations for the structures and behavior of MCSs based on the physical processes underlying their evolution. An understanding of the physical processes and conceptual models of MCSs will help forecasters to predict the most likely locations of severe weather within existing systems and to forecast the longevity, areal extent, and path of the system.

Accompanied by conceptual animations, numerical simulations, and case studies, Mesoscale Convective Systems: Squall Lines and Bow Echoes presents strategies with which the forecaster can identify the potential for long-lived MCSs and attendant severe weather.

Estimated time to complete: 4-6 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 1999-05-28

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Description:
The Primer of Mesoscale Meteorology is a web-based training program designed to improve forecasting of mesoscale weather. The primer is collection of web-based modules that u