GGR214H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Numerical Weather Prediction, Anomalous Propagation, Big Area
Document Summary
Forecasting process: observation, acquire data, analysis, compile and map the data, mostly automated, diagnosis, determine active processes and trends. Looking thru for trends: prognosis, predict changes that will occur, model will generate numbers but need a meteorologist to analyze data, get the data, compile it, see what will happen, predict changes. Increasing computer power, observational detail, and understanding of the at(cid:373)osphere add (cid:373)ore (cid:858)skill(cid:859) Observations: weather conditions around the world are connected on very short timescales, a complete picture requires global observations. Looks at reflected light: eg: high albedo snow, only available during the day. Radar: radar systems transmit and receive pulses of radio waves, radar- radio detection and ranging, reflection indicates precipitation, doppler radar imp, can detect motion. Analysis and diagnosis: surface maps, available 4 times a day. Isobars: fronts interpolated, help us determine where high- and low-pressure systems are currently located. Look at the hpa levels in the slides. If dewpoint depression <5 degrees you will have clouds.
