| 12/21/2024 6:49:31 AM |
| Changed Course |
| CATALOG INFORMATION
|
| Discipline and Nbr:
METRO 10 | Title:
WEATHER AND CLIMATE |
|
| Full Title:
Introduction to Weather and Climate |
| Last Reviewed:9/12/2022 |
| Units | Course Hours per Week | | Nbr of Weeks | Course Hours Total |
| Maximum | 3.00 | Lecture Scheduled | 3.00 | 17.5 max. | Lecture Scheduled | 52.50 |
| Minimum | 3.00 | Lab Scheduled | 0 | 6 min. | Lab Scheduled | 0 |
| | Contact DHR | 0 | | Contact DHR | 0 |
| | Contact Total | 3.00 | | Contact Total | 52.50 |
| |
| | Non-contact DHR | 0 | | Non-contact DHR Total | 0 |
| | Total Out of Class Hours: 105.00 | Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 | |
Title 5 Category:
AA Degree Applicable
Grading:
Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:
00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As:
GEOG 10
Formerly:
Catalog Description:
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A descriptive introduction to the science of the atmosphere. Topics include Earth/Sun relationships, temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind, clouds and precipitation, storm fronts, hurricanes and tornadoes, weather forecasting, climate patterns and climate change, and atmospheric optics. California weather patterns and climate will be emphasized.
Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Schedule of Classes Information
Description:
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A descriptive introduction to the science of the atmosphere. Topics include Earth/Sun relationships, temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind, clouds and precipitation, storm fronts, hurricanes and tornadoes, weather forecasting, climate patterns and climate change, and atmospheric optics. California weather patterns and climate will be emphasized.
(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Associate Degree: | Effective: | Fall 1981
| Inactive: | |
| Area: | C
| Natural Sciences
|
| |
| CSU GE: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| | B1 | Physical Science | Fall 1981 | |
| |
| IGETC: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| | 5A | Physical Sciences | Fall 1981 | |
| |
| CSU Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Fall 1981 | Inactive: | |
| |
| UC Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Fall 1981 | Inactive: | |
| |
| C-ID: |
Certificate/Major Applicable:
Both Certificate and Major Applicable
COURSE CONTENT
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Describe fundamental meteorological concepts and the physical laws which govern
atmospheric behavior.
2. Explain the interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
3. Examine Earth/Sun relationships and recognize the role each plays in shaping weather and
climate.
4. Analyze and interpret weather maps, radar imagery and satellite data.
Objectives:
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During this course students will:
1. Define the nature of meteorology as a science.
2. Identify and describe the elements of weather.
3. Explain the processes that generate weather phenomena.
4. Identify weather phenomena and patterns on weather maps, and radar and satellite images.
5. Explain Earth seasonality.
6. Describe the mechanisms of heat transfer and apply this knowledge to the Earth's radiation
budget, greenhouse effect, and climate change.
7. Recognize and describe global climate patterns and the implications of climate change.
8. Evaluate the merit of scientific claims.
Topics and Scope
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I. Introduction to Science, the Scientific Method and Meteorology as a Science
II. Atmosphere
A. Composition
B. Vertical structure
C. Weather and Climate
III. Solar and Terrestrial Radiation
A. Electromagnetic spectrum
B. Insolation
C. Mechanisms of heat transfer
D. Earth/Sun relationships
E. Energy budget
IV. Temperature
A. Heat and temperature
B. Measurement
C. Controlling factors
D. Global, regional and seasonal patterns
V. Atmospheric Moisture
A. Properties of water
B. Hydrologic cycle
C. Humidity and humidity measurement
D. Adiabatic processes and stability
E. Clouds and fog
F. Precipitation
G. Global, regional and seasonal patterns
VI. Atmospheric Pressure
A. Relationship between air density and temperature
B. Measurement
C. Mapping and analysis
D. Global, regional and seasonal patterns
VII. Wind
A. Pressure gradient force, direction, speed, and measurement
B. Surface and upper level
C. Global, regional, and seasonal circulation patterns
D. Effects on oceanic circulation
VIII. Air Masses and Weather Systems
A. Air masses
B. Polar, mid-latitude and tropical patterns
i. Fronts and mid-latitude cyclones
ii. Thunderstorms and tornadoes
iii. Tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones)
IX. Weather Analysis
A. Data acquisition and mapping
B. Forecasting
X. Climate and Climate Change
A. Classification
B. Global patterns
C. Global and regional climate change
XI. Air Pollution
A. Types
B. Sources
C. Contributing factors
XII. Optical Phenomena
A. Nature of light
B. Types
Assignments:
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1. Assigned readings (20-40 pages per week)
2. Assignments: written homework, problem solving homework, in-class activities (5-15)
3. Quizzes (2-15)
4. Current event and/or other papers/projects (1-3)
5. Exams (2-5)
Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
| Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing
5 - 20% |
| Written homework; current event or other papers/projects | |
| Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving
10 - 30% |
| Problem solving homework; in class activities | |
| Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams
50 - 80% |
| Exams, including objective questions and essays; quizzes | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
0 - 10% |
| Participation and attendance | |
Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Essentials of Meteorology: An Invitation to the Atmosphere. 8th ed. Ahrens, C. Donald and Henson, Robert. Brooks and Cole. 2017
The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology. 13th ed. Lutgens, Frederick and Tarbuck, Edward and Tasa, Dennis. Pearson. 2015
Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. 9th ed. Ahrens, C. Donald. Cengage Leanring. 2012 (classic)
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