STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Examine the composition and structure of the atmosphere

 II.     Analyze and discuss the basic factors that influence the atmosphere

 III.    Measure components of the atmosphere, including temperature, pressure and humidity

 IV.     Identify and assess small and large-scale structures in the atmosphere

 V.      Identify the development and structure of different cloud types

 VI.     Explain the significance of the cloud types for both present and future weather

 VII.    Examine different cloud structures

 VIII.   Demonstrate an understanding of air masses and fronts and their significance in controlling the weather

 IX.     Identify the components of an air mass and explain how the mass can be modified

 X       Assess the primary types and source regions for air masses and discuss the difference between stable and unstable air masses

 XI.     Compare the discontinuities across fronts and predict the type of weather associated with the three types of fronts

 XII.    Explain the differences between dry lines, squall lines and instability lines

 XIII.   Examine the characteristics of the jet stream and upper air flow

 XIV.    Explain the significance of upper air long wave transport

 XV.     Assess the importance of frontal boundaries and their role in forming cyclones and anti-cyclones

 XVI.    Explain the significance of the semi-permanent high and low pressure areas

 XVII.   Identify the five primary types of airflow patterns and their effects on weather

 XVIII.  Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of climatology

 XIX.    Identify the major elements of optical phenomena

 XX      Utilize currently available technology in predicting meteorological outcomes

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Composition and structure of the atmosphere

 II.     Factors that influence the atmosphere

 III.    Small and large-scale structures in the atmosphere

 IV.     Development and structure of different cloud types

 V.      Significance of the cloud types for both present and future weather

 VI.     Air masses and fronts and their significance in controlling the weather

 VII.    Components of an air mass and how the mass can be modified

 VIII.   Types and source regions for air masses

 IX.     Stable and unstable air masses

 X       Discontinuities across fronts and associated weather

 XI.     Dry lines, squall lines and instability lines

 XII.    Characteristics of the jet stream and upper air flow

 XIII.   Significance of upper air long wave transport

 XIV.    Frontal boundaries and their role in forming cyclones and anti-cyclones

 XV.     Significance of the semi-permanent high and low pressure areas

 XVI.    Types of airflow patterns and their effects on weather

 XVII.   Climatology concepts

 XVIII.  Major elements of optical phenomena