Unit 9 Lab: Atmospheric Circulations

Introduction

We will continue our practice of assessing the current weather situation and in this lab begin to use 500-mb charts to predict the movement of surface systems. Then we will look at several examples of different scales of atmospheric motion in the current weather products. Following this we will learn to analyze coastal meteograms for the onset of a sea breeze, and then we will study characteristics of the jet stream and the relationship of the jet stream to other common weather products. We will complete the lab with a look at sea-surface temperatures and their relationship to major ocean currents, mid-latitude storms and huricanes, and the El Niņo.

Objectives

Learn to read 500-mb charts and use them to predict the movement of surface systems
Learn to recognize examples of the different scales of motion in the atmosphere
Be able to recognize the onset of a sea breeze
Recognize the relationship between the jet stream and other weather products
Be able to interpret and use SST maps

Activities

As in the previous labs, you should complete each of the Activities listed at the top of the page in order. Each one has a

Lab Quiz

After completing all of the Activities, return to the schedule and complete the Lab Quiz. Remember that this quiz is not a part of your course grade, but it will help you determine where you may need additional study. Also, many of the questions on the proctored tests will be similar to if not identical to the practice questions.

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