ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT

Growing in the Wind

Lecture: 1:25-2:15 p.m. Mon, Wed & Fri – 105 Walker Hall

Professor: Dr. Scott Isard

Office: Rm 205, Buckhout Lab

Office phone: 865-6290

Email: sai10@psu.edu

Office hours: Mon, Wed & Fri 3:30-5:00 p.m.      

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

1. Lutgens and E. J. Tarbuck. (2016). The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology (13th Edition): Prentice Hall. 

 COURSE OBJECTIVE

 By the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and discuss a) the effect of weather elements on plants and animals, b) how the major weather elements interact to govern storms, daily weather, and climate, and 3) how humans are changing our atmospheric environment.  

INTRODUCTION

Atmospheric Environment: Growing in the Wind is for students who are interested in learning about the dynamic effects of weather on plants and animals.  It is about how processes at the ground surface and in the air govern weather conditions on Earth.  Growing in the Wind focuses on five major weather elements: energy, temperature, moisture, pressure, and wind and how these factors govern ecosystems and habitation of our planet.  Emphasis is also given to human impacts on weather and climate, and current environmental issues involving the atmosphere.  The lectures are organized around the central theme that the unequal distribution of incoming solar energy (both spatially and temporally) produce temperature and pressure contrasts at the Earth’s surface and in the atmosphere that in turn cause storms and control the weather and climate. 

No prerequisites beyond high school algebra are required. An interest in agriculture, the natural sciences and the environment in general will be helpful for this course.

"Whether the weather is cold, or whether the weather is not, we'll weather the weather, what ever the weather, whether we like it or not!"     

LECTURES

The lecture schedule for Growing in the Wind is provided below. The schedule may change slightly as the course progresses; however, if this happens you will be informed either in class or by email. Slides and lecture notes are available on the Canvas website as power point presentations. There will be Key Concept assignments and Quizzes given in lecture throughout the course of the semester. They will be administered with 5 minutes left in the lecture period and cover the material discussed in the preceding 45 minutes. Each Key Concept assignment and Quiz will be worth 5 points.     

READINGS

The Chapters for the readings are listed next to the lecture topics below. A total of 10 points can be earned for reading each chapter by taking the associated Open Book Chapter Quiz that is available on the Canvas website. The quizzes consist of 10 questions and will last for 10 minutes. The quizzes can be taken a total of 3 times and only the highest grade will be recorded. Quizzes will be available to take before and until 11:59 p.m. on day that the readings are assigned and unavailable thereafter. The schedule for the last day when each Open Book Chapter Quiz is available is provided below.     

EXAMS

Exams will consist of short essay and multiple choice questions. They will cover lecture, reading, and project materials. 

CLASS LABS

There will be 3 class lab projects during the semester.  Students will work in small groups on the assignments and make oral presentations of their results to the class. 

GRADING

There are 765 points that may be earned in Growing in the Wind. Grades are generally based on a straight scale ( 90+ % is an A, 80-90 % is a B, 70-79% is a C, 60 to 69% is a D, < 60% is a F). 

• Exam I Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
• Exam II Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
• Exam III Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
• Exam IV Multiple choice and short essay = 100 pts.
• Labs 3 Labs projects: each worth 50 points = 150 pts.
• Book Chapter Quizzes 13 book chapter quizzes: each worth 10 points = 130 pts.
• Key Concept Assignments 18 assignments: each worth 5 points =   90 pts.
• Total Points = 770 pts. 

"Some people are weatherwise, but most are otherwise." 

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance: You are responsible both for all the material covered in class discussions as well as for the readings. Frequent absences will negatively impact your performance.

Assignments: All assignments are due on the dates specified on the syllabus. The University has careful policies about your rights and responsibilities in the case of emergency and illness. Please, be familiar with them and do not try to abuse them.

Academic Integrity: Penn State defines academic integrity as the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. All students should act with personal integrity, respect other students’ dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts (Faculty Senate Policy 49-20). 

Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated in this course. Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Students who are found to be dishonest will receive academic sanctions and will be reported to the University’s Judicial Affairs office for possible further disciplinary sanction. 

Disability: The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities and is committed to the policy that all people shall have equal access to programs, facilities, and admissions without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course or have questions about physical access, please tell the me as soon as possible. 

 OPEN BOOK CHAPTER QUIZZES / LAST DAY AVAILABLE

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Atmosphere. 11:59 PM Thursday September 5

Chapter 2: Heating Earth's Surface and Atmosphere. 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 10

Chapter 3: Temperature. 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 17

Chapter 4: Moisture and Atmospheric Stability. 11:59 PM Sunday, October 6

Chapter 5: Forms of Condensation and Precipitation. 11:59 PM Tuesday, October 8

Chapter 6: Air Pressure and Winds. 11:59 PM Thursday, October10

Chapter 7: Circulation of the Atmosphere. 11:59 PM Thursday, October 17

Chapter 8: Air Masses. 11:59 PM Sunday, October 27

Chapter 9: Midlatitude Cyclones. 11:59 PM Friday November 1

Chapter 10: Thunderstorms and Tornadoes. 11:59 PM Thursday November 7

Chapter 11: Hurricanes. 11:59 PM Tuesday, November 12

Climate 15: World Climates. 11:59 PM Tuesday, December 3

Chapter 14: The Changing Climate. 11:59 PM Thursday,

Course Summary:

Date / Details

• Mon Aug 26, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Orientation, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Wed Aug 28, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Physical Characteristics of Earth and Atmosphere, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Fri Aug 30, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 1, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Composition and Layers of the Atmosphere, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concept: Composition and Layers of the Atmosphere, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Sep 2, 2019
  Calendar Event Labor Day, 12am 
• Wed Sep 4, 2019 
  Calendar Event Lecture: Human Impact on the Atmospheric Environment: Ozone Depletion, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Ozone Depletion, due by 11:59pm
• Thu Sep 5, 2019 
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 1, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Sep 6, 2019 Calendar Event Read Chapter 2, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Earth-Sun Relationships & Energy, Heat and Temperature, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Earth-Sun Relationships & Energy, Heat and Temperature, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Sep 9, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Solar and Terrestrial Radiation, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Radiation and Energy Balances, due by 11:59pm
• Tue Sep 10, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 2, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Sep 11, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 3, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Temperature Controls and Distribution, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Temperature Controls and Distribution, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Sep 13, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Human Impact on the Atmospheric Environment: Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Sep 16, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab I: Weather Resources on the Internet: Introduction, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 1: Weather Resources on the Internet, due by 11:59pm
• Tue Sep 17, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 3, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Sep 18, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab I: Weather Resources on the Internet: Work Session, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 2: Weather Resources on the Internet, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Sep 20, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Biometerology of Plants, Animals and Humans, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Biometeorology, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Sep 23, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab I: Group Presentations, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment AG/MET Lab I Part A: Weather Resources on the Internet, due by 11:59pm
  Assignment AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 3 & 4: Weather Resources on the Internet, due by 11:59pm
  Assignment AG/MET Lab I Part B Step 5: Weather Resources on the Internet, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Sep 25, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Spillover and Exam I Review, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Fri Sep 27, 2019
  Assignment Exam I, due by 2:20pm
  Assignment AG/MET Lab I Part C: Weather Resources on the Internet, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Sep 30, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 4, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Exam I Return and Phase Changes of Water, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Wed Oct 2, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Moisture in the Atmosphere, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Moisture in the Atmosphere, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Oct 4, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Lifting and Stability, 1:25pm to 2pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Lifting and Stability, due by 11:59pm
• Sun Oct 6, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 4, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Oct 7, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 5, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Forms of Condensation and Precipitation, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Condensation and Precipitation Mechanisms, due by 11:59pm
• Tue Oct 8, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 5, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Oct 9, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 6, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Air Pressure and Winds, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Air Pressure and Winds, due by 11:59pm
• Thu Oct 10, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 6,due by 11:59pm
• Fri Oct 11, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 7, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Scales of Motion, Global Circulation Models, and Hadley Cells, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Global Circulation and Hadley Cells, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Oct 14, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Global Circulation and Westerlies, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Global Circulation and Westherlies, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Oct 16, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: El Nino, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Thu Oct 17, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 7, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Oct 18, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Spillover and Exam II Review, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Mon Oct 21, 2019
  Calendar Event Exam II, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Wed Oct 23, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Exam II Return, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Fri Oct 25, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 8, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Air Masses, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Air Masses, due by 11:59pm
• Sun Oct 27, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 8, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Oct 28, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 9, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Midlatitude Cyclones, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Mid-latitude Cyclones, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Oct 30, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab II Introduction, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Fri Nov 1, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab II Work Session, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 9, due by 11:59pm
• Sat Nov 2, 2019
  Calendar Event 12am
• Mon Nov 4, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 10, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Thunderstorms, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Thunderstorms, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Nov 6, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Tornadoes, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Tornadoes, due by 11:59pm
• Thu Nov 7, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 10, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Nov 8, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 11, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Hurricanes, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Hurricanes, due by 11:59pm
• Sun Nov 10, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 11, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Nov 11, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Spillover and Exam Review III, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Lab II Part A: Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data, due by 11:59pm
  Assignment Lab II Part B1: Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data, due by 11:59pm
  Assignment Lab II Part B4 Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data, due by 11:59pm
  Assignment EXTRA CREDIT Lab II Part B3 Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data, due by 11:59pm
  Assignment Lab II Part B2 Applications of Temperature and Moisture Data, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Nov 13, 2019
  Calendar Event Exam III, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Fri Nov 15, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 15, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Climate Classification, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Calendar Event Lecture: Exam III Return, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Climate Controls, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Nov 18, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Tropical and Dry Climates,1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Tropical and Dry Climates, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Nov 20, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Midlatitude, Polar and Highland Climates, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Midlatitude Climates, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Nov 22, 2019
  Calendar Event World Climates III Polar and Highland Climates, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Key Concepts: Polar and Highland Climates, due by 11:59pm
• Mon Nov 25, 2019
  Calendar Event Thanksgiving, 12am
• Wed Nov 27, 2019
  Calendar Event Thanksgiving, 12am
• Fri Nov 29, 2019
  Calendar Event Thanksgiving, 12am
• Mon Dec 2, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab III: Introduction, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Tue Dec 3, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 15, due by 11:59pm
• Wed Dec 4, 2019
  Calendar Event Read Chapter 14, 12am
  Calendar Event Lecture: Changing Climates, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Fri Dec 6, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab III Work Session, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Mon Dec 9, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: To What Degree, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
• Wed Dec 11, 2019
  Calendar Event Lab III Presentations, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Lab III Part A Severe Weather Broadcast, due by 11:59pm
  Assignment Lab III Part B Severe Weather Broadcast, due by 11:59pm
• Thu Dec 12, 2019
  Assignment AG/MET Book Quiz Chapter 14, due by 11:59pm
• Fri Dec 13, 2019
  Calendar Event Lecture: Spillover and Exam IV Review, 1:25pm to 2:15pm
  Assignment Lab III Part C Severe Weather Broadcast, due by 11:59pm