01_Intro

Introduction to Weather and Climate

Geographic Overview

• Regions discussed include Wyoming and Michigan

• Key topics:

  • Increasing precipitation with elevation leads to better water quality and efficient infiltration

  • Snowmelt contributes significantly to annual runoff (75% of total)

Greenland Ice Sheet

• Global implications of ice mass loss

• Key Observations:

  • GRACE data shows average mass loss of 281 Gigatons/year

  • Notable ice loss: -3748 Gigatons as of August 2016

  • Mass loss contributions to sea-level rise

Iceberg Factory

• Discharge occurs when icebergs break off glaciers along the coast

• Notable area: NW Greenland, main contributor to sea-level rise

Ice Sheet Melt

• Mass loss via meltwater runoff

• NW Greenland has shown a unique increase in surface runoff

Atmospheric Summary

• Links changes in atmospheric conditions to recent Greenland mass loss

• Investigate motivations for changes in circulation patterns

Importance of Atmospheric Sciences

• Explore the relevance of the discipline to DoD infrastructure and military readiness

Syllabus Overview

• Essential for referencing exam dates, office hours, and policies

Office Hours

• Location: Geography-Geology 331

• Schedule: TR 11:00-12:30, Wednesday 10:00-11:30

  • Appointment encouraged but not mandatory

Required Textbook

• Title: An Interactive Understanding of the Atmosphere (6th edition) by Steven A. Ackerman and John A. Knox

• Access through Top Hat via eLC page

Grading Breakdown

• In-class Top Hat Questions: 5%

• Mid-Term Exams: 40%

• Final Exam: 30%

• Homework: 25%

Accessibility Resources

• P UGA - Clark Howell Hall, Field St UGA Department of Geography

• Digital mental health resources available: Headspace subscription

Course Outline

• Overview of course topics

Difference Between Weather and Climate

• Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions, mood-like changes

• Climate: Long-term patterns influenced by location, personality characteristics of regions

• Example: If you dislike weather, wait; if you dislike climate, move!

Atmospheric Composition and Phenomena

• Impact of atmospheric composition on life on Earth

• Relationship between atmospheric layers and temperature variations with altitude

Earth-Sun Relationships

• Explanation of seasonal changes

Global Energy Balance and Greenhouse Effect

• Factors influencing global temperature patterns

• Overview of the Earth's energy budget, including inbound and outbound energy fluxes

Atmospheric Moisture and Phenomena

• Effects of humidity and moisture on temperature perceptions in different climates

• Impact of moisture on weather events like football games

Types of Precipitation

• Causes of rain, snow, and hail

Wind and Circulation Patterns

• Understanding wind mechanisms

Ocean Interactions

• Relationship between atmospheric phenomena and oceanic systems

Weather Variability

• Examination of factors behind fluctuating weather conditions

Severe Weather Events

• Discussion on thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes

Climate Change

• Examination of causes and effects of global warming

• Exploration of feedback mechanisms and consequences of climate change such as extreme weather events