Meteorology: An Introduction to the Wonders of the Weather

Course Overview

Gain new insight into the remarkable meteorological phenomena that surround us with this eye-opening course that probes these mysterious forces of nature.

Course No. 1796

In 24 fascinating lessons, Professor Robert Fovell combines geography, chemistry, and physics to explain:

• Atmospheric composition and layers
• Radiation and climate systems
• Cloud formation and precipitation
• Wind patterns and global circulation
• Extreme weather events
• Weather prediction techniques

Through vivid demonstrations and real-world examples, you’ll understand the dynamic relationships shaping Earth’s weather and climate.

Key Topics Covered:

• Atmospheric physics and thermodynamics
• Cloud formation processes
• Global wind circulation patterns
• Fronts and cyclonic systems
• Thunderstorms and tornado formation
• Tropical cyclones (hurricanes/typhoons)
• Ocean-atmosphere interactions
• Weather forecasting methods

Video Lectures

01: Nature Abhors Extremes (32 min)

Introduction to weather systems and their balancing role in nature.

02: Temperature, Pressure, and Density (28 min)

Fundamental atmospheric properties and the ideal gas law.

03: Atmosphere-Composition and Origin (29 min)

Earth’s atmospheric layers and their characteristics.

04: Radiation and the Greenhouse Effect (30 min)

Electromagnetic spectrum and planetary energy balance.

05: Sphericity, Conduction, and Convection (31 min)

Heat transfer mechanisms and seasonal variations.

06: Sea Breezes and Santa Anas (28 min)

Local wind systems and temperature-driven circulation.

07: An Introduction to Atmospheric Moisture (31 min)

Water vapor capacity and humidity concepts.

08: Bringing Air to Saturation (32 min)

Dew formation and elevation effects on cooking.

09: Clouds, Stability, and Buoyancy, Part 1 (32 min)

Cloud classification and formation processes.

10: Clouds, Stability, and Buoyancy, Part 2 (33 min)

Precipitation mechanisms and rain shadows.

11: Whence and Whither the Wind, Part 1 (31 min)

Global wind patterns and driving forces.

12: Whence and Whither the Wind, Part 2 (29 min)

Friction and centripetal forces in wind systems.

13: The Global Atmospheric Circulation (31 min)

Hemispheric air circulation models.

14: Fronts and Extratropical Cyclones (30 min)

Cyclonic storm development at air mass boundaries.

15: Middle Troposphere-Troughs and Ridges (31 min)

Pressure systems in upper atmospheric layers.

16: Wind Shear-Horizontal and Vertical (28 min)

Three-dimensional wind direction changes.

17: Mountain Influences on the Atmosphere (31 min)

Orographic effects on weather patterns.

18: Thunderstorms, Squall Lines, and Radar (31 min)

Storm development and meteorological radar.

19: Supercells, Tornadoes, and Dry Lines (29 min)

Severe storm structures and tornado formation.

20: Ocean Influences on Weather and Climate (33 min)

Ocean-atmosphere feedback systems.

21: Tropical Cyclones (33 min)

Hurricane/typhoon structure and conditions.

22: Light and Lightning (32 min)

Atmospheric optics and electrical phenomena.

23: Prediction and Predictability (31 min)

Numerical weather models and limitations.

24: The Imperfect Forecast (33 min)

Forecasting challenges demonstrated through Hurricane Rita.