GEO4970 – Synoptic Meteorology

This course introduces the fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics and synoptic-scale meteorology, with emphasis on the analysis and interpretation of mid-latitude weather systems. Topics include the structure and circulation of the atmosphere, balanced flows, vorticity and potential vorticity, cyclone and frontal structure, cloud and precipitation processes, quasi-geostrophic dynamics, cyclogenesis, frontogenesis, and three-dimensional airflow in cyclones.

A key focus of the course is to develop the skills needed to analyse weather maps and observations, identify and interpret the structure and evolution of synoptic-scale weather systems, and understand the dynamical processes that produce weather. Students will apply the theoretical concepts introduced in the course to observed weather, using weather maps, satellite imagery, and other observations to understand the development and evolution of mid-latitude cyclones, fronts, clouds, and precipitation, with particular emphasis on Norwegian weather.

By the end of the course, students will be able to

• explain fundamental concepts and principles of atmospheric dynamics
• analyze the structure and evolution of synoptic-scale weather systems
• apply dynamical principles to interpret observed weather and weather system development
• perform synoptic analysis using weather maps, satellite imagery, and other meteorological observations

Both master's students and PhD candidates can take this course.

Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other master's degree programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may apply to take this course as a single course student.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

The course has a limited capacity. If there are more applicants than places, the applicants will be ranked after the following categories:

1. Master's students in Geosciences admitted to the following programme option:

   • Water and Climate (programme option)
2. PhD candidates from the University of Oslo (MN Faculty)

3. Master's students in Geosciences admitted to one of the following programme options (not prioritized order):

   • Geosciences (master)
   • CS: Geoscience (programme option)
4. Other students

Applicants will be ranked by the number of ECTS-credits within each category: all applicants within category 1 are ranked before applicants in category 2. If there are space limitations in the course, available places will be given to students selected randomly within the same category.

• MEK1100 – Vector Calculus
• GEO2310 – Meteorology / GEO2320 – Oceanography
• GEO4901 – Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics

The course consists of 2*2 hours of teaching sessions each week. One session focuses on the theoretical foundations of atmospheric dynamics and synoptic meteorology, while the other consists of practical weather analysis work. Each student is expected to give a weather brief of the current weather situation that must be approved in order to sit the final exam.

The course also includes a planned visit to the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, where students will shadow an operational weather forecaster.

Attendance at the first lecture is compulsory. Students who fail to meet are considered to have withdrawn from the course unless they have previously given notice to the course responsible.

We reserve the right to change the teaching form and examination of the course in semesters where 5 or fewer students have been admitted.

• Each student is expected to give a weather brief of the current weather situation that must be approved in order to sit the final exam.
• Weather map analysis labs count 30% towards the final grade.
• A final written examination counts 70% towards the final grade.
• Both the weather map analysis labs and the final examination must each be passed separately to pass the course.

It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

• Calculator
• Rottmann's mathematical formula

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.