Weather Forecasting, Jet Stream Dynamics, and Water Resources

Real-World Weather Forecasting and Satellite Data

  • Actual Weather Map: The lecture begins with a real-time weather map showing rain forecasted for the West Village, demonstrating how classroom learning applies to real-world weather prediction.

  • GOES Satellites (Geostationary Orbiting Environmental Satellites):

    • These are foundational for daily weather predictions.

    • There are approximately 1111 GOES satellites (e.g., GOES East).

    • They are locked in geostationary orbit, meaning they remain over the same spot on Earth as the Earth rotates.

    • They capture continuous images of the same part of the Earth, providing data embedded into phone weather forecasts.

  • Identifying a Cold Front: Using raw satellite imagery (e.g., from 1212 Z, Continental United States/Mexico), a cold front can be visually identified.

    • Cold Air: A large mass of cold air is visible.

    • Warm Air Lifting: The front signifies warm air lifting upwards, forming a distinct strip of clouds, which is clearly visible in the satellite data.

Upper-Level Atmospheric Circulation: Jet Stream Dynamics

  • Review: Repetition is key for understanding these concepts.

  • Atmospheric Levels:

    • Upper Level: Near where airplanes fly, still within the troposphere (think top of the troposphere).

    • Lower Level: Where we are (the surface).

  • Connection to Surface Pressure: Upper-level atmospheric circulation directly drives surface low-pressure conditions.

  • Key Takeaway (Jet Stream and Surface Pressure):

    • Convergence in the Jet Stream (upper level) leads to High Pressure at the surface (lower level).

    • Divergence in the Jet Stream (upper level) leads to Low Pressure at the surface (lower level).

  • Spin (Vorticity) and Vertical Air Movement: The jet stream imparts a