An Introduction to Synoptic-Dynamic Meteorology

offers a systematic exploration of synoptic meteorology, beginning with the basics of atmospheric pressure and atmospheric motion. It progresses into weather instrumentation and observation, analysis of these observations, surface fronts, and fundamental and inertial atmospheric forces. Subsequent chapters focus on balance in synoptic-scale flow, upper-tropospheric jet streams, and troughs and ridges. Concluding chapters address lower-Tropospheric Processes and Midlatitude Cyclones. This textbook serves as a bridge between introductory and upper-division atmospheric dynamics courses. Supplementary resources include a solutions manual and PowerPoint slides for instructors and Python notebooks with worked examples for both students and instructors.

Intended Audience and Benefits

This book is essential for sophomore-level meteorology students, advanced researchers in atmospheric science, and professionals such as meteorologists, weather forecasters, and climate scientists. It is also beneficial for environmental consultants, aviation professionals, hydrologists, oceanographers, energy sector experts, and emergency management officials, making it a versatile resource in navigating the complexities of atmospheric science.

Content Overview

Provides an overview of synoptic meteorology and atmospheric dynamics that is written at the sophomore undergraduate level. Serves as a bridge between introductory meteorology at the freshman level and upper-division atmospheric dynamics. Covers topics that are traditional to synoptic meteorology such as fronts, jets, troughs/ridges, cyclones, and synoptic map analysis in general as well as topics that are traditional to atmospheric dynamics such as atmospheric forces, elementary atmospheric dynamics, balanced flow, and vertical motion. Includes solutions manual and PowerPoint slides for instructors, and Python notebooks and worked examples for both students and instructors.