MetEd: Meteorology Education and Training. Operated by the COMET Program

Description:
This self-paced course discusses the basic principles of warm season convective weather with the aim of improving the prediction of significant and severe convection.

The course organizes relevant modules and Webcasts on the MetEd Website into two sections: Core Topics and Advanced Topics. By using our Registration & Assessment system, you can track your progress in one or both parts of the course and receive a course completion certificate.

Estimated time to complete: 16-22 h

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Description:
In order to help forecasters build a strategy for anticipating convective storm structures, their evolution, and the potential for severe weather, A Convective Storm Matrix provides learners the opportunity for extensive exploration of the relationship between a storm's environment and its structure.

The matrix is composed of 54 four-dimensional numerical simulations based on the interactions of 16 different hodographs and 4 thermodynamic profiles. By comparing animated displays of these simulations, learners are able to discern the influences of varying buoyancy and vertical wind shear profiles on storm structure and evolution.

A series of questions guides the exploration and helps to reveal key storm/environment relationships evident in the matrix. A synopsis of the physical processes that control storm structure, as well as the current conceptual models of key convective storms types, is included for reference.

Subject matter expects for A Convective Storm Matrix: Buoyancy/Shear Dependencies include Mr. Steve Keighton, Mr. Ed Szoke, and Dr. Morris Weisman.

Note: This module was originally published on CD-ROM in March 1996 (v1.1) and re-released in 2001 as v1.3 for Microsoft Windows users only. CD-ROM version 1.3 works fairly well with Windows 98/ME/NT4/2000 but has reported to be problematic with Windows XP. Users of version 1.1 should obtain the patch located at http://www.comet.ucar.edu/help/ModuleSupport/matrix_problem.htm or use the new, Web-based module.

Estimated time to complete: 3-4 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-04-09

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Description:
This module includes an interactive MCS Matrix of numerical simulations illustrating the physical processes controlling MCS evolution, as well as an archive of the entire Web module, Mesoscale Convective Systems: Squall Lines and Bow Echoes.

Patterned after the CD Module A Convective Storm Matrix, the new MCS Matrix provides learners the opportunity for extensive exploration of the relationship between a MCSs environment and its structure. The matrix is composed of 21 four-dimensional numerical simulations based on the interactions of 10 different hodographs with a common thermodynamic profile. By comparing animated displays of these simulations learners are able to discern the influences of vertical wind shear and the Coriolis Force on MCS structure and evolution.

A series of questions guides the exploration and helps to reveal key storm/environment relationships evident in the matrix.

The subject matter expert for this module is Dr. Morris Weisman.

Note: This module was originally published 5/28/99 as a CD-ROM (v1.0) as dual module along with a local copy of the Web module Mesoscale Convective Systems: Squall Lines and Bow Echoes (v3.0). The CD-ROM version of An MCS Matrix (1.0) works fairly well with Windows 98/ME/NT4/2000 but has reported to be problematic with Windows XP. Windows XP Users of version 1.0 should use the new, Web-based module.

Estimated time to complete: 3-4 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-04-17

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This module is not available on the Web. To order a CD, please see our contact information.

Description:
The primary purpose of the Anticipating Convective Storm Structure and evolution module is to provide forecasters a strategy for anticipating storm structures, their evolution, and the potential for severe weather, based on an understanding of the physical processes that control their development. Because convective storms develop rapidly, having the right set of expectations of what is possible and probable within the storm environment will allow forecasters to better manage their activities during a convective event.

A traditional approach to teaching about convective storms has been to discuss several classic storm types that reveal distinctive structural elements. However, these classic storm types are not the norm. In nature, thunderstorms exist along a continuous spectrum of possible structures rather than always falling into discrete categories. Storms often exhibit qualities of more than one classic type or evolve from one type into another during their life cycle. For this reason, this module examines convective storms based on the predominant physical processes involved in their development that tend to place them in a particular region of the spectrum.



Because forecasters also need to accurately monitor the evolution of convective storms in order to issue timely weather warnings and statements, this module will also demonstrate methods for monitoring storm evolution through the available data (in particular, modern radar data), based on a thorough understanding of the current conceptual models of convective storms. Numerous interactions and a set of summary exercises are included. Summary Page--Key Points to Remember are available online at http://meted.ucar.edu/convectn/mod8sumpag.pdf.



Subject matter expects for Anticipating Convective Storm Structure and Evolution include Dr. Morris Weisman, Steve Keighton, and Ed Szoke.

Estimated time to complete: 8-10 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 1997-04-29

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Description:
Hazardous weather affects us all. To help local emergency managers cope with weather hazards they may face, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) offer a course titled Hazardous Weather and Flooding Preparedness. However, many people who make weather-related decisions are unable to attend this 2-3 day course.

The purpose of this Web-based course, Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk, is to provide background on weather and weather hazards for emergency managers and other decision makers. This course is intended to complement on-site courses offered by FEMA and NWS, so that they can focus on local hazards and community risk factors.

This course covers…

Weather: How and why it forms,
Hazardous weather: Fact sheets on different phenomena,
Forecasting weather: The forecast process and products issued by the NWS,
Warning Partnership: How the NWS and emergency managers generate and communicate warnings, and a
Desktop Exercise: An opportunity to apply what you have learned in a flash flood scenario.
FEMA Independent Study credit is available for those who complete the course and pass the exam. The subject matter experts for Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk are Randall C. Duncan, CEM - Sedgwick County (KS) Emergency Management, Bob Glancy - NWS, Bob Goldhammer - Polk County (IA) Emergency Management, Curt Nellis - County of Shenandoah (VA) Department of Fire and Rescue, John Ogren - NWS, and Bruce Sterling - Portsmouth (VA) Emergency Management.

Objectives:
• Explain basic processes that cause and/or signal hazardous weather
• List the main weather hazards and the factors that determine community risk
• Describe the basic weather forecasting process and its limitations
• Discuss various techniques for communicating information about weather hazards
• Distinguish which NWS forecast products are appropriate in various situations
• Analyze various source of information about a weather hazard and formulate a plan for dealing with a potential disaster

Estimated time to complete: 4-5 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2001-03-08

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Description:
In this Southern Hemisphere-focused module, the student can work through one major Australian severe thunderstorm event in detail and examine aspects of two other severe thunderstorm events as well. Follow a forecast time-line to assess data and make decisions from the pre-storm phase through the warning phase.



NOTE: The Bureau of Meteorology owns this modue, NOT the COMET Program.

Estimated time to complete: 4-6 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-04-23

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Description:
Tropical waves are prolific rainfall producers that sometimes form tropical cyclones. Conceptual models of tropical waves are used to help learners understand the dynamical characteristics and evolution of tropical waves. Users will learn about the vertical and horizontal structure of tropical waves and the typical weather changes that accompany the passage of a tropical wave. Four different methods of tracking tropical waves are also provided. The Webcast is presented by Mr. Horace Burton and Mr. Selvin Burton of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology under the auspices of the MeteoForum Project.

Objectives:
After completing this Webcast, users should be able to:

• Define tropical waves and state why they are important


• Describe the typical wavelength, frequency, propagation speed, and direction of tropical waves


• Describe the horizontal structure and vertical structure of tropical waves in terms of winds, moisture and temperature


• Describe the lifecycle of Reihl's Classical easterly wave in terms of wind velocity, relative humidity, clouds, and precipitation


• Identify tropical waves based on Frank's Inverted 'V' model, i.e., banded clouds in the shape of an inverted 'V'


• Describe the relationship between the upper and lower troposphere flow in Frank's conceptual model


• Describe the characteristics of African waves including their origin, wavelength, and relative intensity between inland and the coast


• Describe the typical distribution of divergence in African waves


• Describe the distribution of vorticity in African waves


• Describe the distribution of clouds and precipitation in African waves


• Understand that inter-annual variations in the frequency and strength of African waves are correlated with the occurrence of intense Atlantic storms


• Detect and track tropical waves using satellite imagery, satellite-derived surface winds, wind profiles, and model output

Estimated time to complete: 35 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2006-04-21

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Description:
Chapter 6, The Distribution of Moisture and Precipitation, is the second published chapter of the online textbook, Introduction to Tropical Meteorology. Moisture and precipitation distribution governs life in the tropics. Surplus heating and rising motion in the tropics ignites the global water and energy cycles and influences weather in the midlatitudes. Chapter 6 presents the horizontal and vertical distribution of water vapor, tropical cloud formation and distribution, the lifecycle and precipitation characteristics of tropical mesoscale convective systems, and the variability of tropical precipitation on yearly, seasonal, and hourly time-scales. The online textbook has many special features including individual chapter review questions and quiz, topic focus sections, direct access to operational forecasting topics, box sections that elaborate on theoretical concepts, links to resources for further study, critical thinking questions interspersed throughout the text, icons that identify resource links and critical thinking exercises, and science biographies.

Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, you should understand and be able to describe:

* Why water vapor is important to weather and climate in the tropics
* The range and distribution of water vapor content in the tropics
* The distribution of evaporation and evapotranspiration rates in the tropics
* The formation of tropical clouds by convection
* The general pattern of cloud distribution in the tropics
* The typical profiles of potential temperature (Theta) and equivalent potential temperature (Theta-e) in the tropical atmosphere
* How the Saharan Air Layer and other dry intrusions changes the vertical distribution of moisture thermodynamic energy
* The concept of moist and dry static (thermodynamic) energy and its vertical distribution in the tropics
* How the vertical distribution of moist static energy varies with different modes of convection
* The differences between convective and stratiform rain in tropical mesoscale convective systems
* The effects of continental and maritime aerosols on tropical precipitation
* The geographic distribution of annual tropical precipitation and its variability
* The factors that influence the geographic distribution of tropical precipitation
* The seasonal distribution of precipitation in the tropics and unique regional patterns
* The differences between the diurnal cycle of tropical precipitation over land and over ocean, including the influential factors
* Unique characteristics of the diurnal cycle during the equatorial transition seasons (spring and autumn)
* The factors that influence the amount and location of rainfall on yearly and multi-year time scales

You should also be able to identify and describe:

* The factors that influence evaporation and evapotranspiration rates
* The dominant cloud types in the tropics
* The typical zonal and meridional distribution of cloud depth over the tropical oceans

Estimated time to complete: 1.5-2 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-03-19

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Description:
This Webcast is based on a presentation given by Dr. James T. Moore of Saint Louis University at the 5th Annual MSC/COMET Winter Weather Workshop on 30 November 2004 in Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Moore reviews many aspects of jet streak dynamics including convergence/divergence, ageostrophic winds, propagation, and coupled jets.

Objectives:
• Define "jetstreak"
• Note the divergence associated with upper-level waves
• Describe the relationship of divergence with vertical windshear
• Describe the relationship of the ageostrophic wind components with upper-level and low-level jets
• Compare the direct thermal circulation in the entrance region with the indirect thermal circulation in the exit region of an upper-level jet
• Identify how the curvature of an upper-level jet affects divergence and convergence
• Describe the impact thermal advection has on vertical motion and entrance and exit circulations
• Gain an understanding of the characteristics of unbalanced jets and coupled jets

Estimated time to complete: 50 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2005-04-25

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Description:
This module presents current conceptual models of several MCS types and provides explanations for the structures and behavior of MCSs based on the physical processes underlying their evolution. An understanding of the physical processes and conceptual models of MCSs will help forecasters to predict the most likely locations of severe weather within existing systems and to forecast the longevity, areal extent, and path of the system.

Accompanied by conceptual animations, numerical simulations, and case studies, Mesoscale Convective Systems: Squall Lines and Bow Echoes presents strategies with which the forecaster can identify the potential for long-lived MCSs and attendant severe weather.

Estimated time to complete: 4-6 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 1999-05-28

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Description:
This Webcast features NWS forecaster Matthew J. Bunkers presenting the results of a study originally presented at the 19th AMS Conference on Severe Local Storms and published in the February 2000 issue of the AMS journal Weather and Forecasting. It is delivered as a streaming audio lesson with accompanying text and graphics.

In this presentation Mr. Bunkers presents a statistically superior method for predicting supercell motion regardless of the shape or location of the shear profile on the hodograph plot. The method is a modification of the method presented by Dr. Morris Weisman in the COMET Program CD module, Anticipating Convective Storm Structure and Evolution, and was developed based on 225 actual supercell events.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 1999-06-10

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Description:
This module provides a brief overview of Buoyancy and CAPE. Topics covered include the origin of atmospheric buoyancy, estimating buoyancy using the CAPE and Lifted Index, factors that affect buoyancy including entrainment of mid-level air, water loading, convective inhibition, and the origin of convective downdrafts. This module delivers instruction with audio narration, rich graphics, and a companion print version.

Objectives:
Terminal Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe how buoyancy contributes to formation of a convective storm and its related updrafts and downdrafts
2. Define CAPE, LI, and CIN and describe how they can be used to forecast convective activity

Enabling Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Define buoyancy and list factors that tend to increase buoyancy
2. Describe the life cycle of a convective storm
3. Define CAPE and describe how CAPE is determined on a skew-T/log-P diagram
4. Define Lifted Index (LI) and describe how LI is determined on a skew-T/log-P diagram
5. Describe how CAPE differs from Lifted Index
6. Define Convective Inhibition (CIN) and list factors that tend to increase CIN
7. Given 2 soundings, choose the soundings that will give the stronger updraft or downdraft

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2002-07-24

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Description:
This module provides a basic understanding of how to plot and interpret hodographs, with application to convective environments. Most of the material previously appeared in the CD module, Anticipating Convective Storm Structure and Evolution, developed with Dr. Morris Weisman. Principles of Convection II: Using Hodographs includes a concise summary for quick reference and a final exam to test your knowledge. The module comes with audio narration, rich graphics, and a companion print version.

Objectives:
Terminal Objectives
1. By the end of this module you will be able to plot and use a hodograph to determine wind shear

Enabling Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Given a vertical profile of wind speed and direction, plot a hodograph on a polar coordinate chart
2. Describe how to use a hodograph to determine the vertical wind shear between two levels
3. Given a hodograph, determine the total magnitude of vertical wind shear, the mean shear direction, and the mean wind and storm motion from a hodograph

Estimated time to complete: 60 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-10-28

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Description:
This module discusses the role of wind shear in the structure and evolution of convective storms. Using the concept of horizontal vorticity, the module demonstrates how shear enhances uplift, leading to longer-lived supercell and multicell storms. The module also explores the role of shear in the development of mesoscale convective systems, including bow echoes and squall lines. Most of the material in this module previously appeared in the COMET modules developed with Dr. Morris Weisman. This version includes a concise summary for quick reference and a final exam to test your knowledge. The module comes with audio narration, rich graphics, and a companion print version.

Objectives:
Terminal Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to describe the influence that vertical wind shear has on convective storm behavior

Enabling Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe how and where interaction between a thunderstorm outflow (the cold pool) and the environmental wind shear lead to enhanced uplift and formation of new convective cells
2. Describe the vertical wind shear conditions that maximize the uplift along the downshear edge of the cold pool
3. Describe the origin of updraft tilt in a convective cell
4. Describe the different vertical shear characteristics for supercell storms and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs)

Estimated time to complete: 60 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2003-11-18

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This module is not available on the Web. To order a CD, please see our contact information.

Description:
Satellite Meteorology: Case Studies Using GOES Imager Data is a continuation of the first module in the satellite meteorology series, Satellite Meteorology: Remote Sensing Using the New GOES Imager. This module includes a winter and summer severe storm case as well as a tutorial on tropical storms. It provides many opportunities to view and interpret GOES imager data and integrate those data with model, radar, and other data types. Additional material and exercises will be available on the COMET home page.

The subject matter experts for this module are Dr. James F. Purdom and Dr. Ray Zehr.

Estimated time to complete: 2-3 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 1997-01-01

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Description:
Mesoscale convective systems occur worldwide and year-round and are accompanied by the potential for severe weather and flooding. This module describes typical system evolution by examining squall line, bow echo, and MCC characteristics throughout their life cycles. This module has less emphasis on the physical processes controlling MCS structure and evolution than our previously released module, Mesoscale Convective Systems: Squall Lines and Bow Echoes. Instead, this newly updated module includes more material on tropical squall lines, MCC's, and on NWP’s ability to predict convective systems. The module starts with a forecast scenario and concludes with a final exam. Rich graphics, audio narration, and frequent interactions enhance the learning experience.

Objectives:
After completing this module, you should be able to do the following things.

Introduction to MCS Characteristics

• Recall the definition of an MCS
• Recall common types of MCS organization, especially squall lines and bow echoes
• List the potential weather hazards most likely associated with MCSs
• Identify key features associated with MCS initiation and evolution
• Recognize a likely MCS in radar imagery

Squall Lines

• Identify the various forms and compositions of squall lines
• Locate key squall line structures, including the cold pool, leading gust front, and rear-inflow jet
• Recall evolution of the surface pressure pattern during the lifetime of a squall line
• Explain the types of squall line formation
• Identify the phases of squall line evolution
• Using satellite and radar imagery, recognize the type and phase of a squall line
• Explain what determines if a squall line will be weak-to-moderate or moderate-to-strong
• Quantify low-level shear and identify which vertical wind shear most controls squall line strength
• Recall movement of long lines versus short lines, and movement of cells within a line
• Identify line back building and recognize conditions which support it
• Describe a line echo wave pattern and identify one from radar data
• List the differences between tropical and extratropical squall lines

Bow Echoes

• Define bow echoes and identify weather patterns conducive to their development
• Explain what a rear-inflow notch is and how to assess it with the MARC technique
• Discuss the factors that contribute to bow echoes being an especially severe form of MCS
• Describe the most likely time of onset and location of damaging winds from a bow echo
• Describe the characteristics of a derecho

Mesoscale Convective Complexes (MCCs)

• Recall how MCCs are defined via satellite imagery
• Describe where MCCs usually occur
• List the potential weather hazards associated with MCCs
• Explain what an MCV (or MVC) is and its relationship to an MCC
• Recognize the signature of an MCV from satellite imagery
• Recall why it is important to monitor an MCV

MCSs and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP)

• List model convection issues and describe their impact on forecast elements
• Describe the difference between a model with convective parameterization and one without
• List the relative strengths and weaknesses of using a model with higher resolution (10 km WRF) versus one with lower resolution (22 km Eta)
• Describe common NWP limitations and errors related to forecasting large-scale convection
• Explain how model output should be applied to forecasting MCS occurrence

Estimated time to complete: 2-4 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2004-09-24

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Description:
Meteorologists typically examine atmospheric soundings in the course of preparing a weather forecast. The skew-T / log-P diagram provides the preferred method for analyzing these soundings. This module comprehensively examines the use of the skew-T diagram. It explores thermodynamic properties, convective parameters, stability assessment, and several forecast applications. The module is designed for both instruction and reference. It also comes with an interactive Web-based skew-T diagram that calculates several common forecast parameters.

Objectives:
Module Goal
The goal of this module is to teach the novice forecaster to effectively use the skew-T/log-P diagram. After completing the module, they should be able to read and interpret a sounding plotted on a skew-T/log P diagram and apply that information to a weather forecast.

Performance Objectives

1. Given a skew-T/log-P diagram, identify and describe the various lines.


2. Given a sounding plotted on a skew-T/log-P diagram:




• Read or calculate the thermodynamic properties at various levels.


• Determine the convective levels, including the LCL, CCL, LFC, MCL, EL, and MPL.


• Determine stability indices such as LI, S