Selected list of courses
ATS 554 Forecasting Mesoscale Processes - 3 hrs.
Detection and forecasting of atmospheric mesoscale phenomena, including the structure and evolution of clouds, precipitation (including floods), thunderstorms and severe weather. Includes basics on instruments used to detect mesoscale phenomena, most notably satellite and radar. Based mainly on computerized modules and related exercises. Prerequisite: ATS 551. Spring
ATS 690 Polarimetric Radar in Meteorology - 3 hours.
The student will gain a basic understanding of: a) polarized radar system hardware; b) physical interpretation and application of multi-parameter radar variables; and c) radar operating considerations. Emphasis will be placed on hydrometeorological applications; specifically, precipitation measurement and hydrometeor identification in distributed weather targets. Student use of the UAH ARMOR and MAX dual-polarimetric radars will be incorporated into the learning experience in order to provide an important framework from within which to apply the principles learned in this course.
Radar Meteorology is currently experiencing a shift in radar-based precipitation measurement paradigms. This shift can be defined as a transition from use of conventional power-based measures of precipitation rate and coverage, to more accurate multi-parameter measurements of not only precipitation rate, but bulk measures of hydrometeor/scatterer type, phase, and size.
