In this course we will examine — through lectures, readings, and lab exercises — the processes that influence weather and climate patterns on the earth. We will first examine the sources of energy driving atmospheric processes, the importance of atmospheric moisture, and the forces creating the winds. The second part of the course focuses on storm systems including mid-latitude cyclones and severe weather. The last third of the class is devoted to the study of climate, climate patterns, and the interaction between climate, physical systems, and human activity.
