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