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Iowa State University meteorology majors develop capability in six knowledge and skill areas that are considered important for professional and graduate work:
- Physics and dynamics of the global atmosphere
- Application of new weather technologies
- Weather observing and analysis
- Advanced mathematical tools
- Computer programming and modeling
- Effective oral and written communication
Physics and Dynamics of the Global Atmosphere
Understanding Rossby Wave Theory
Abstract:The above report summarized longwave behavior in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres for a period from late August to early November in 2005. The evolution of the wave patterns over this period was documented based on wavenumber, mean amplitude, and wave speed, and were then compared to behavior of the zonal winds aloft during the same time. Our results tended to support Rossby Theory with wave speeds being consistently slower than corresponding zonal winds, although a few indicators of Rossby behavior were not evident in our data. This may be due to added complexities related to the atmosphere being baroclinic rather than barotropic, which is an assumption of Rossby Wave theory.Return to top of portfolio.
Application of New Weather Technologies
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Weather Observing and Analysis
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Computer Programming and Modeling
This figure plots two values of Q (irradience) against surface temperature (Ts). The red line represents Q derived from a model that assumes a constant emissivity. The blue line represents Q derived from a model in which emissivity is assumed to be dependent on atmospheric water vapor. In both models, lapse rate, surface relative humidity, change in relative humidity with height, and surface pressure are all assumed to be constant. The curves show us that Q is dependent on emissivity, and therefore dependent on atmospheric water vapor. Click on the figure for a larger view. Return to top of portfolio.
Effective Oral and Written Communication
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