MTMG34-Experiencing the weather field course

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: chris.scott@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This field course focuses on weather variation.

Aims:

• To understand that weather variation occurs on a variety of time and space scales, some of which are sampled during the weekend;

• To illuminate the material presented in the concurrent MTMG01 and MTMG02 modules by experiencing an uninterrupted spell of weather in the outdoors;

• To appreciate the importance of working effectively in teams and individually;

• To produce a weather forecast for the region around the Field Centre.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student should:

• Know that weather can vary locally, and to understand that it is related to larger-scale variation;

• Appreciate the errors and uncertainties associated with the use of meteorological instruments in the field;

• Be able to explain the interlinked nature of the different ways of observing the atmosphere by producing a written synthesis of selected aspects of the weekend's meteorological observations;

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their ability to work in teams to a firm schedule Students will understand the value of basic fieldwork skills in weather science.

Outline content:

The field course will involve teams of students fulfilling four different tasks during the weekend. These are:

• To take part in a radiosonde launch and log, plot and interpret an ascent;

• To undertake a roughly two-hour instrumented walk, and to plot and interpret the observations taken;

• To plot and interpret detailed time series from an instrumented mast;

• To keep abreast of various analysis and forecast products.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will consist of groups being guided by a lecturer during each of their four tasks. On completion of each task the students should understand its significance, be able to interpret the information gathered and understand how it fits with data accumulated during the other tasks. Detailed briefings occur before each day's activities. Students experience the complementary nature of different forms of weather observation, and learn how they are different expressions of the same atmospheric evolution, possibly on different time and space scales. They experience weather variations outdoors in a continuous way that in itself is an invaluable aspect of their meteorological education. At the end of the field course, students, working in small groups, produce presentations of various aspects of the weather they have experienced.

Reading lists for meteorology modules are available here https://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.html

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submit report within the lifetime of the course.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 2) Specialist equipment or materials: 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 4) Printing and binding: 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019