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Numerical Weather Prediction

General

Prefix

AHS

Course Number

467

Course Level

Undergraduate

Department/Unit(s)

Meteorology & Earth Sciences

College/School

College of Science and Engineering

Description

Basic concepts of numerical weather prediction (NWP) including: the history of NWP models, necessary assumptions, common methods of solutions to the primitive equations, model initialization and data assimilation, parameterization schemes, and ensemble forecast systems. Rationale for different NWP systems, sources of errors in forecasts, and best practices when interpreting output of numerical models.

Prerequisites

Credits

Min

2

Max

2

Goals and Diversity

Learning Outcomes

Outcome

Explain the basic structure of a weather forecast model.

Outcome

Describe the data assimilation process and how observational data is incorporated into model initial condition fields.

Outcome

Differentiate physical parameterization schemes employed in operational numerical weather prediction models.

Outcome

Interpret the output products of ensemble forecasting systems.

Course Outline

Course Outline

NWP history. 10% Data assimilation and model initialization. 20% Discretization of the equations of motion. 10% Cloud microphysics. 15% Planetary boundary layer schemes. 15% Numerical instabilities and error growth 15% Ensemble modeling systems and strategies. 15%

Dependencies

Courses

AHS467 is a corequisite for:

Programs

AHS467 is a completion requirement for: