PHYS4420 Physics in Meteorology
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PHYS4420 Physics in Meteorology

This course provides an introduction to the physical principles in meteorology, weather observation and forecasting. Topics include: physics of fluids; dynamic meteorology; atmospheric thermodynamics; atmospheric physics (cloud and lightning); weather systems and phenomena; weather observation, analysis and forecasting; climate change. Trips to Hong Kong Observatory headquarters/ outstations may be arranged to acquaint students with the operation of meteorological instruments and the real-life practice of weather analysis and forecasting. Students are advised to take PHYS3011 (or equivalent) and PHYS3022 before taking the course.
Lecturer

Dr. Li, Ping Wah
Hong Kong Observatory, Tel: 2926-8437, Email: pwli@hko.gov.hk

Mr. Wong, Wai Kin
Hong Kong Observatory, Tel: 2926-8416, Email: wkwong@hko.gov.hk

Teaching Assistant(s)

Mr. Yip, King Yau
Email: KingYauYip@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Office hour: M7-8 (SC 315)

Mr. Cheng, Ho Lam
Email: tommychl@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Office hour: T5-6 (SC 322)

Lecture Class

Wednesday 6:30 pm - 9:15 pm (MMW 710)

Exercise Class

Monday 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm (YIA 502)
Wednesday 11:30 am - 12:15 pm (MMW 706)

Textbooks and reference books

  • Wallace, J.M. and P.V. Hobbs, 2006, ¡°Atmospheric Science¡±, 2nd edition (International Geophysics), Elsevier Academic Press.
  • Holton, J.R., 2012, ¡°An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology¡±, 5th edition (International Geophysics), Elsevier Academic Press.
  • Andrews, D.G., 2010, ¡°An Introduction to Atmospheric Physics¡±, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press.
  • Vallis, G.K., 2017, ¡°Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics - Fundamentals and Large-Scale Circulation¡±, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press.
  • Landau, L.F. and E.M. Lifshitz, 1987, ¡°Fluid Mechanics¡± 2nd edition, Pergamon Books Ltd.
  • Kalnay, E., 2003, ¡°Atmospheric Modeling, Data Assimilation and Predictability¡±, Cambridge University Press.
  • Kidder, S.Q., 1995, ¡°Satellite Meteorology: An Introduction¡±, Academic Press.
  • Coiffier, J., 2011: Fundamental of Numerical Weather Prediction, Cambridge University Press.
  • Warner, T., 2011: Numerical Weather and Climate Prediction, Cambridge University Press.

  • Assessment Scheme

    Homework 20%
    Mid-term Test 30%
    Final Exam. 50%

    Course Outline

  • The Earth's Atmosphere
  • Physics of the Fluid of the Atmosphere
  • Dynamic Meteorology
  • Weather Systems and Phenomena
  • Atmospheric Thermodynamics
  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Weather Observations
  • Weather Analysis and Forecasting