Convective Clouds and Storms
Time: July 2024 (15 - 26 July 2024, two-week intensive)
Location: on campus (Parkville)
Lecturer: Prof Todd Lane,
Overview
The aim of this subject is to explore processes governing convection in the atmosphere, with a particular emphasis on severe convective storms and tropical cyclones. Specific topics covered include buoyancy, local convection, cellular convection, stability, severe storms - including supercell storms and squall lines, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Evaluate the detailed mechanisms governing the formation of convective clouds and storms on a range of spatial and temporal scales.
- Understand, explain and summarize advanced theories of moist convection, mesoscale dynamics, and gravity waves.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the analysis and visualisation of computational and observational data to study storm dynamics.
- Apply advanced knowledge to interpret data from storm-scale computational models
- Evaluate and criticise areas of active research on the topics of convection and storms and identify disputed theories and gaps in knowledge
Generic skills
- Exercise critical judgement;
- undertake rigorous and independent thinking;
- adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks;
- develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills.