Unit 7 Objectives and Applications

1) Use the numerical model surface plots to determine the amount of precipitation over a given time period, and using the 5400m 500mb thickness line, determine the type of precipitation(rain/snow)

2) Using the 850mb computer model plots, determine areas experiencing warm/cold air advection, and calculate surface temperatures based on the 850mb temperature field. Also, identify strong low-level jets which bring warmth and moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico.

3) On a 700mb plot, identify areas of greatest vertical velocity, indicating favored regions for heavier precipitation.

4) Using 500mb plots determine the mean wind directions and their influence on storm movement. Also, analyze the positive vorticity features on the plots to determine favored locations for the development of a surface low.

5) 300mb plots: analyze the upper-level winds and determine regions of maximum windspeeds, dissect jetstreaks into quadrants to determine severe weather threat, and identify ridges and troughs in the long wave pattern.

6) Identify the warm, cold, and cool sectors of a mid-latitude cyclone.

7) Analyze the factors involved in cyclogenesis, and how to recognize them using forecast model information.

8) Discuss the typical weather patterns associated with each sector of a mature cyclone.