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CLIMATE SCIENCE II - Weather Prediction BSC309

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
Statement of Attainment

 

The Science of Weather Forecasting

Study the patterns of weather. Use modelling and predictive software to envisage future events. Understand the delicate factors at play.

 

Weather forecasting has become an indispensable part of contemporary society. 

Whether to know when to hang the washing out or to prepare for severe weather events, we depend on meteorologists and weather forecasters for essential climate insights.

This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success. 

 

It's easy to enrol...

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Explore the science that underpins weather prediction

  

COURSE CONTENT AND STRUCTURE

There are eight lessons in this course:

1. What to Measure

  • What is Weather Forecasting?
  • Weather Warnings
  • Weather forecasting
  • Impacts to people
  • Impacts for farming
  • Weather factors
  • Cloud cover
  • Minimum temperature
  • Maximum temperature
  • Dry bulb temperature
  • Wet bulb temperature
  • Wind speed
  • Wind direction
  • Precipitation
  • Absolute humidity
  • Relative humidity
  • Dew point
  • Mean sea level pressure
  • Station level pressure
  • Water vapour pressure
  • UV index

2. Tools for forecasting

  • Equipment
  • Weather stations
  • Weather balloons and drones
  • Satellites
  • Recording, Storing and Processing Data
  • High Performance Computers
  • Numerical Weather Forecasting
  • What should be in a minimal weather station?

3. Types of Forecasting

  • Persistence Forecasting
  • Climatological Forecasting
  • Use of a Barometer
  • Looking at the Sky
  • Nowcasting
  • Numerical Weather Prediction models
  • Statistical Forecasting
  • Analogue Forecasting
  • Ensemble Forecasting

4. Weather Models

  • Introduction
  • Weather models data sets and global weather models
  • ECMWF
  • GFS
  • How Weather Models are Built
  • Grid size
  • Problems with the Grid
  • How do parameterisations work?
  • Model Uncertainty
  • Data Assimilation
  • Mesoscale/Regional models
  • The Human Element of Weather Modelling

5. Predicting Temperature

  • Diurnal temperature variation
  • Forecasting maximum temperature
  • Forecasting minimum temperature
  • Effect of snow cover
  • Severity of frost
  • Forecasting grass minimum temperature
  • Minimum temperature on road surfaces
  • Heat Stress Determination
  • Urban Heat Island

6. Predicting Rain

  • Introduction
  • Convection and Showers
  • Forecasting convective cloud
  • Forecasting showers
  • Forecasting cumulonimbus and thunderstorms
  • Layer clouds and precipitation
  • Layer cloud formation
  • Condensation trails
  • Orographic rainfall
  • Formation of stratocumulus
  • Precipitation associated with layered clouds
  • Snow

7. Air Conditions

  • Introduction
  • Air Quality
  • Air Pollution and Its Effect on Climate
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Methane
  • Airborne Chemicals
  • Air Particles
  • Pollen and Allergies
  • Radon
  • Wind and Turbulence
  • Mechanical Turbulence
  • Thermal Turbulence
  • Frontal Turbulence
  • Wind shear
  • Humidity
  • Visibility

8. Practical Applications

  • Introduction
  • Severe Weather Alerts
  • Aviation
  • Marine
  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Utility Companies
  • Private Sector
  • Military
  • Medicine and Human Health
  • Waves and surges

 

Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time. 

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!

 

Enrolling is easy - just go to the top of this page and select your study method and payment option.

If you have any questions about studying with ACS, or want to know more about any of our courses, get in touch with our specialist tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to fit in with your goals.

 
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!