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

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:
This case exercise looks at a barrier jet event over central and eastern Colorado that took on historic significance in terms of snow amounts and variability in snow distribution. The module emphasizes the mechanisms for producing both very large accumulations and extreme small-scale variability. These mechanisms involved both dynamic and thermodynamic processes in this storm. Model and observed analyses and forecasts are considered in detail as the storm unfolds.

Objectives:
• Analyze a Rocky Mountain Front Range heavy precipitation event to determine the influence of a barrier jet on both precipitation type and amount.
• Forecast critical storm features in a barrier jet case, including winds and precipitation type and intensity.
• Monitor the development of the barrier jet features in the context of the larger-scale forcing.
• Examine the important processes governing the termination of the storm.

Estimated time to complete: 2-3 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2006-07-27

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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:
Cold Air Damming is part of the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer series. This module first presents a Navy forecast scenario prior to the development of a major cold air damming (CAD) event along the east slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. Then, from a conceptual standpoint, the classic CAD scenario is described in detail, both from an observational and modeling standpoint.

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

Characterize cold air damming

• Identify the elements that are required for a CAD event.
• Identify sensible weather phenomena associated with cold air damming.
• Describe the nature and importance of overrunning winds in a CAD event.
• Describe the conditions leading to a barrier jet during a CAD event.
• Identify the origin of precipitation particles in a CAD event.
• Locate the deepest part of the pool of cold air in a CAD event.

Classify CAD events

• Recognize the three different types of CAD events.
• Recall the different cooling processes important to cold air damming.
• Describe the role different cooling processes play in the different types of CAD events.
• Match cooling processes to their respective causes.

Describe the climatology of cold air damming

• Identify geographically where CAD events occur.
• Remember the climatology of CAD events for the following:
• Seasonal occurrence,
• Probability of occurrence, and
• Duration of events

Identify a CAD event

• Identify a CAD event from synoptic MSLP, 850 mb, and 500 mb pressure charts.
• Identify a CAD event from soundings.
• Identify a CAD event from surface observations.
Forecast the start of a CAD event
• Using MSLP charts, identify the synoptic conditions that lead to cold air damming for the Appalachians and other mountain ranges, including the Rocky Mountains, Alps, and Andes.
• Identify atmospheric conditions that lead to terrain blocking and cold air damming.
• Recognize the limitations of forecast models in a predicting a CAD event.

Forecast the end of a CAD event

• Using synoptic charts, choose the charts that indicate dissipation of a CAD event in a 24-hour time frame.
• From soundings, recognize the atmospheric conditions leading to dissipation of a CAD event.
• Identify surface observations that indicate the dissipation of a CAD event.

Estimated time to complete: 1-1.5 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2001-06-18

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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 is a foundation module in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer series. Topics covered include an overview of factors that control whether air will go up and over a mountain or be forced around it, the role of potential and kinetic energy, the Froude number and what it tells you, and air flow blocked by topography.

Objectives:
Terminal Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe how flow interacts with topography.
2. List the factors that determine the interaction.

Enabling Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. List the factors that determine the interaction of flow with topography.
2. Describe the Froude number in terms of wind speed, wind direction, static stability, and mountain height.
3. Describe flow interactions with a long, straight mountain ridge for high-Froude-number and low-Froude-number flows.
4. Recall how flow responds to a single, tall mountain.
5. List the factors that determine the upstream distance that flow will be affected by topography.

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:
This module provides a basic understanding of why gap winds occur, their typical structures, and how gap wind strength and extent are controlled by larger-scale, or synoptic, conditions. You will learn about a number of important gap flows in coastal regions around the world, with special attention given to comprehensively documented gap wind cases in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Columbia River Gorge. Basic techniques for evaluating and predicting gap flows are presented. The module reviews the capabilities and limitations of the current generation of mesoscale models in producing realistic gap winds. By the end of this module, you should have sufficient background to diagnose and forecast gap flows around the world, and to use this knowledge to understand their implications for operational decisions. Other features in this module include a concise summary for quick reference and a final exam to test your knowledge. Like other modules in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer, this module comes with audio narration, rich graphics, and a companion print version.

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

With regard to the description of gap winds:
• Recall where in a gap the strongest wind speeds are typically observed.
• Describe the different kinds of topographic gaps and their effect on gap flow.
• List at least 3 natural hazards that may be associated with gap winds.

With regard to the structure of gap winds:
• Describe how wind speed varies through the gap during a gap flow event.
• Describe the temperature profile through a gap during a gap flow event.
• Describe the pressure profile through a gap during a gap flow event.

With regard to the origin of gap flows:
• Describe the conditions required for geostrophic flow.
• Recall that gap winds are typically non-geostrophic.
• Describe the origin of the pressure gradients that occur across gaps.
• Recall that the thinning of low-level cool air at a gap exit can increase the pressure gradient across a gap.
• Recall that adiabatic warming of downslope winds can increase the pressure gradient across a gap.

With regard to forecasting gap winds:
• Qualitatively describe how varying the following factors affects wind speed through a gap:
   * Pressure gradient
   * Surface roughness
   * Gap length
   * Temperature
• Describe the horizontal resolution of a mesoscale model required to accurately forecast flow through a gap.

Estimated time to complete: 1.5-2 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2003-03-20

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Description:
Mountain waves form above and downwind of topographic barriers and frequently pose a serious hazard to mountain aviation because of strong-to-extreme turbulence. This foundation module describes the features of mountain waves and explores the conditions under which they form. Like other foundation modules in the Mesoscale Primer, this module starts with a forecast scenario and concludes with a final exam. Rich graphics, audio narration, and frequent interactions enhance the presentation.

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

With regard to the hazards, features, and climatology of mountain waves and downslope winds:

* Identify at least 2 hazards associated with mountain wave activity
* Recall at least 3 atmospheric and topographic requirements for a mountain wave system
* Describe the major features of a mountain wave system
* Recall when and where mountain waves and downslope winds occur
* Recall the location of the following winds: Chinook, Santa Ana, Bora, and Foehn

With regard to downslope winds:

* Recall characteristics of downslope winds
* Describe why downslope winds are warm

With regard to the origin of mountain waves and downslope winds:

* Describe why air displaced over a mountain range starts to oscillate
* Recall the conditions that lead to topographically-blocked flow in terms of mountain height, wind speed, stability, and Froude number
* Describe the effects of wind shear and inversions on mountain wave activity
* Define critical level
* Discriminate between a self-induced critical level and a mean-state critical level
* Describe the different types of rotors and their associated atmospheric conditions
* Identify which type of rotor is associated with more turbulence

With regard to forecasting mountain waves and downslope winds:

* Recall the 1.6 rule-of-thumb
* Recall what NWP model resolution is required to accurately depict mountain waves
* Describe how a model's vertical coordinate system affects its ability to forecast mountain waves
* Describe how radiosondes and pilot reports (PIREPs) can help with short-range forecasting of mountain waves
* Describe how satellite imagery can be used to detect mountain wave activity with or without either daylight or clouds

Estimated time to complete: 2-3 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2004-01-07

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Description:
This is part 1 of a 2-part Webcast based on a presentation by Dr. David Whiteman on August 11, 2004 in Boulder, CO. Dr. Whiteman presents conceptual and practical information regarding winds in the planetary boundary layer in complex terrain. Part 1 topics include diurnal wind systems, mountain-plain wind systems, and slope wind systems.

Objectives:

• Identify the characteristics of diurnal wind systems


• Identify the characteristics of mountain-plain wind systems


• Identify the characteristics of slope wind systems

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-03-22

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Description:
This is part 2 of a 2-part Webcast based on a presentation by Dr. David Whiteman on August 11, 2004 in Boulder, CO. Dr. Whiteman presents conceptual and practical information regarding winds in the planetary boundary layer in complex terrain. Part 2 topics include valley wind systems, cross-valley wind systems, diurnal mountain-wind systems, and plateau-basin wind systems.

Objectives:

• Identify the characteristics of valley wind systems


• Identify the characteristics of cross-valley wind systems


• Identify the characteristics of diurnal mountain-wind systems


• Identify the characteristics of plateau-basin wind systems

Estimated time to complete: 75 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-04-06

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Description:
This is a foundation module in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer series. Topics covered include up- and downslope breezes, up- and down-valley winds, associated hazards, and forecasting techniques. Like other modules in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer, this module comes with audio narration, rich graphics, and a companion print version.

Objectives:
Terminal Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe how, why, when, and where mountain/valley breezes occur.
2. List the forecast concerns and aviation hazards associated with mountain/valley breezes.

Enabling Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe when and where mountain/valley breezes form, including their diurnal cycle.
2. List the forecast concerns and aviation hazards associated with mountain/valley breezes.
3. Describe the processes that lead to slope winds.
4. Describe how topography may affect mountain/valley breezes.
5. Describe how satellite imagery can assist in detecting mountain/valley breezes.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2002-06-28

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Description:
En este módulo preparatorio de la serie Manual de meteorología de mesoescala (Mesoscale Meteorology Primer) se tratan temas tales como una descripción general de los factores que controlan si el aire subirá para cruzar una montaña o si será forzado alrededor de ella, el papel de la energía potencial y cinética, el número de Froude y su significado y el bloqueo del flujo del aire por la topografía.

Objectives:
Al final de este módulo podrá:
1. Describir cómo el flujo interactúa con la topografía.
2. Enumerar los factores que determinan la interacción.

Objetivos específicos
Al final de este módulo podrá:
1. Enumerar los factores que determinan la interacción entre el flujo y la topografía.
2. Describir el número de Froude en términos de velocidad del viento, dirección del viento, estabilidad estática y altura de la montaña.
3. Describir las interacciones del flujo con una cadena montañosa ancha para flujos de número de Froude altos y bajos.
4. Recordar cómo el flujo responde frente a una montaña individual alta.
5. Enumerar los factores que determinan a qué distancia aguas arriba el flujo se verá afectado por la topografía.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: no

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

Last published on: 2008-04-24

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Description:
En este módulo preparatorio de la serie Manual de meteorología de mesoescala (Mesoscale Meteorology Primer) se tratan temas tales como brisas anabáticas y catabáticas, vientos de valle ascendentes y descendentes, los peligros asociados y las técnicas de pronóstico.

Objectives:
Objetivos finales
Cuando termine de estudiar este módulo, usted podrá:
1. describir cómo, porqué, cuándo y dónde se forman las brisas de valle y de montaña;
2. enumerar los aspectos que se deben considerar para un pronóstico y los peligros de aviación asociados con las brisas de valle y de montaña.

Objetivos de capacitación
Cuando termine de estudiar este módulo, usted podrá:
1. describir cuándo y dónde se forman las brisas de valle y de montaña, incluido su ciclo diurno;
2. enumerar los aspectos que se deben considerar para un pronóstico y los peligros de aviación asociados con las brisas de valle y de montaña;
3. describir los procesos que provocan vientos de ladera;
4. describir cómo la topografía puede afectar las brisas de valle y de montaña;
5. describir cómo las imágenes satelitales pueden ayudar a detectar las brisas de valle y de montaña.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-09-20

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Description:
Este módulo ofrece una presentación básica del mecanismo que produce los vientos canalizados o de desfiladero, sus estructuras típicas y cómo las condiciones a una escala mayor o sinóptica controlan su intensidad y amplitud. Aprenderá sobre varios flujos canalizados importantes de distintas regiones costeras del mundo, aunque prestaremos particular atención a los casos de vientos canalizados completamente documentados del Estrecho de Juan de Fuca y la garganta del Río Columbia. Se presentan técnicas básicas para evaluar y predecir los flujos canalizados. El módulo examina las capacidades y limitaciones de la generación actual de modelos de mesoescala para producir vientos canalizados realistas. Al final del módulo, debería contar con los conocimientos necesarios para diagnosticar y pronosticar flujos canalizados en cualquier lugar del mundo y comprender sus implicancias para las decisiones operativas. Este módulo incluye otras características, como un conciso resumen de referencia rápida y un examen final para poner a prueba sus conocimientos. Como es el caso con otros módulos del Manual de meteorología de mesoescala (Mesoscale Meteorology Primer), este módulo incluye narración, una atractiva presentación gráfica y una versión para imprimir.

Objectives:
Al final de este módulo, el estudiante podrá:

En lo referente a la descripción de los vientos canalizados:
• Recordar dónde en el lugar que produce la canalización se suelen observar las velocidades del viento más fuertes.
• Describir los diferentes tipos de canalizaciones topográficas y sus efectos en el flujo que las atraviesa.
• Enumerar al menos tres peligros naturales que se pueden relacionar con los vientos canalizados.

En lo referente a la estructura de los vientos canalizados:
• Describir cómo varía la velocidad del viento en la canalización durante un episodio de viento canalizado.
• Describir el perfil de temperatura en la canalización durante un episodio de viento canalizado.
• Describir el perfil de presión en la canalización durante un episodio de viento canalizado.

En lo referente al origen de los flujos de vientos canalizados:
• Describir las condiciones necesarias para el flujo geostrófico.
• Recordar que típicamente los vientos canalizados no son geostróficos.
• Describir el origen de los gradientes de presión que ocurren en las zonas de canalización de los vientos.
• Recordar que la rarificación del aire fresco en los niveles inferiores en la salida de una canalización puede aumentar el gradiente de presión en la zona de canalización.
• Recordar que el calentamiento adiabático de los vientos que fluyen cuesta abajo puede aumentar el gradiente de presión en la zona de canalización.

En lo referente al pronóstico de vientos canalizados:
• Describir de forma cualitativa cómo las variaciones en los factores siguientes afectan la velocidad del viento en una zona de canalización:
   * gradiente de presión
   * rugosidad de superficie
   * longitud de la zona de canalización
   * temperatura
• Describir la resolución horizontal que requiere un modelo de mesoescala para pronosticar con precisión el flujo a través de una zona de canalización.

Estimated time to complete: 1.5-2 h

Includes audio: no

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

Last published on: 2008-07-08

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Description:
A menudo, las ondas orográficas o de montaña que se forman arriba y a sotavento de las barreras topográficas representan un peligro importante para el vuelo de montaña debido a la existencia de turbulencias entre fuertes y extremas. Este módulo preparatorio describe las características de las ondas de montaña y estudia las condiciones que las generan. Al igual que los demás módulos preparatorios del Manual de mesoescala (Mesoscale Primer), este módulo comienza con un escenario de pronóstico y concluye con un examen final. Además de una atractiva presentación gráfica, el módulo incluye narración e implica un fuerte componente interactivo.

Objectives:
Al final de este módulo, el estudiante podrá:
En lo referente a los peligros, las características y la climatografía de las ondas de montaña y los vientos de ladera descendentes:

* Identificar al menos 2 peligros asociados con la actividad de ondas de montaña.
* Identificar al menos 3 aspectos atmosféricos y topográficos necesarios para la formación de sistemas de ondas de montaña.
* Describir las principales características de un sistema de ondas de montaña.
* Identificar cuándo y dónde ocurren las ondas de montaña y los vientos de ladera descendentes.
* Identificar el lugar donde se forman los vientos siguientes: chinook, Santa Ana, bora y foehn.

En lo referente a los vientos de ladera descendentes:
* Describir las características de los vientos de ladera descendentes.
* Explicar por qué los vientos de ladera descendentes son calientes.

En lo referente al origen de las ondas de montaña y los vientos de ladera descendentes:
* Explicar por qué el aire que se desplaza sobre una cadena montañosa comienza a oscilar.
* Describir las condiciones que producen el bloqueo topográfico del flujo en términos de altura de la montaña, velocidad del viento, estabilidad y número de Froude.
* Describir los efectos de la cizalladura del viento y las inversiones en la actividad de ondas de montaña.
* Definir el nivel crítico.
* Distinguir entre un nivel crítico autoinducido y un nivel crítico de estado medio.
* Describir los diferentes tipos de rotores y las condiciones atmosféricas con ellos asociados.
* Identificar el tipo de rotor asociado a la turbulencia más intensa.

En lo referente al pronóstico de ondas de montaña y vientos de ladera descendentes:
* Explicar la regla empírica de 1,6.
* Recordar qué grado de resolución requieren los modelos de PNT para representar las ondas de montaña con precisión.
* Describir cómo el sistema de coordenadas verticales del modelo afecta su capacidad de pronosticar las ondas de montaña.
* Describir cómo los radiosondeos y los informes de piloto (PIREP) pueden ayudar a pronosticar las ondas de montaña a corto plazo.
* Describir cómo se pueden usar las imágenes satelitales para detectar la actividad de ondas de montaña, de día o de noche y con o sin nubes.

Estimated time to complete: 2-3 h

Includes audio: no

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

Last published on: 2008-07-24

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