Online Class: Meteorology Fundamentals

Course Motivation

The study of weather and weather patterns and climate is important not only for agricultural reasons, but also for the potential safety of inhabitants around the world. Understanding forces that shape weather and climate can help save lives and protect the environment. Knowing what to look for in the atmosphere may serve to warn of approaching danger and damage which could be caused by hurricanes and tornadoes.

The impact of pollution and deforestation are studied by meteorologists who attempt to understand the impact that such situations have on the natural cycle of animals, plant life, mountains, and deserts.

Weather affects farmers, the environment, and mankind. Weather forecasting is a skill that has always been of interest to mankind and the ability to predict weather is an admired ability that has been honored from ancient times to the present.  Over the years, accuracy and weather forecasting has improved drastically.  Weather forecasting and determinations regarding rainfall and temperature are reasonably accurate, and the ability to spot severe and dangerous weather storm patterns such as hurricanes and tornadoes have saved countless lives.

Meteorologists must understand various aspects of the Earth's environment, including the ocean, mountains, deserts, and other environmental factors that affect weather patterns. Meteorologists and oceanographers often work together to study the impact of the atmosphere with the oceans. Many other meteorologists are also biologists who study plants and animals and how they interact with the atmosphere and the environment around them.

This course on meteorology will provide the basics in the study of the atmosphere and various weather patterns, including climate, clouds, and air masses, as well as weather forecasting. Determining high and low pressure and the formation of tornadoes and hurricanes will also be explained. Weather patterns such as El Niño as well as the impact of ocean currents and evaporation over large bodies of water will be introduced. 

No study of meteorology would be complete without an understanding of the basics of water conservation or the various opportunities and careers to be found within the field of meteorology. This course will also provide basic tips on water conservation, protecting the environment, and how we humans can impact our immediate environment.