METEO 6130
Numerical Weather Prediction

Fall 2006, Professor Zhaoxia Pu

Instructor: Dr. Zhaoxia Pu, 813 WBB; (801)-585-3864 (phone); pu@met.utah.edu; http://www.met.utah.edu/pu
Lecture hours: MWF 12:55pm-1:45pm

Classroom: INSCC 490
Office hours: M 2:00-3:00pm WF 11:00am-12:00pm or by appointment

Course description: Solid foundation for atmospheric modeling and numerical weather prediction: numerical methods for partial differential equations, an introduction to physical parameterizations, modern data assimilation, and predictability.

Course goals: This course should provide you with a solid foundation in understanding modern numerical weather prediction, concentrating on basic concepts of atmospheric modeling, data assimilation, and predictability.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and METEO 6010 (Dynamic Meteorology) or instructor's consent (please send an email to the instructor or talk with her)

Required textbook:
Eugenia Kalnay, Atmospheric Modeling, Data Assimilation and Predictability, Cambridge University Press, 2003, 341pp. ( Book typos and corrections)

Additional Reading Materials:
UCAR/COMET online training course materials and modules on NWP (http://www.meted.ucar.edu/topics_nwp.php)

References:
Daley, Atmospheric data analysis ,Cambridge University Press,1991
Haltiner and Williams, Numerical Prediction and dynamic meteorology, New York: Wiley and Sons, 1980
Pielke, Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling,Academic Press, 2002

Computer lab and homeworks: There will be up to 5 major homework sets. We will also practice with simple models and test basic concepts on these models. In addition, we will run a NWP model and diagnose model output during class.
Homeworks usually include practices with sample programs written in Fortran and matlab. We will do a basic programming(Fortran and matlab) tutorial at the beginning of the semester.

Grading policy:
40% Lab assignments & homeworks
25% Mid-term presentation
25% Final project
10% In-class discussion
Final grades are based on the following scale:
>90 % guarantees an A or A-
>80 % guarantees a B+, B, or B-
>70 % guarantees a C+, C, or C-
>60 % guarantees a D+, D, or D-
<60% results in an E

Lecture Topics

1.Introduction

2. Fundamentals of NWP models

    Governing equations

    Filtering and scaling

    Vertical coordinates

    Numerical methods to solve PDEs

    Model physics and parameterizations

    Model type, resolution and boundary conditions

3. Examples of regional and global models

    NCEP operational models: global model, Eta model, Regional spectral model

    Community models: MM5/WRF

4.Data assimilation

    Data source and quality control

    Optimal interpolation (OI) and objective analysis

    Variational data assimilation

    Advanced data assimilation methods

    Dynamical and physical balance in initial conditions
    Special topics on applications of data assimilation in many aspects of earth system studies

5. Atmospheric predictability and ensemble forecasting

    Atmospheric predictability

    Operational ensemble forecasting

    Error growth dynamics and limit of predictability


Computer Lab and Homework Topics

   1.   Familiarization with online NWP COMET modules

  1. Solve simple PDEs

  2. Build a simple numerical model

  3. Practice data assimilation with a simple model

  4. Running a NWP model

  5. Diagnosing model output

  6. Making use of online real-time NWP products

Programming language tutorials

A basic programming tutorial will be given in the first two to three weeks during the lab practice in the classroom. Although the use of fortran is recommended, students can also complete their homeworks and lab assignments with other programming languages such as matlab and idl. Help for those languages can be found at:

Fortran
  • Fortran1
  • Fortran2
    Unix
  • Unix1
  • Unix2
  • Unix3
    • Matlab
  • Matlab1
  • Matlab2
  • Matlab3
  • Tips
    • IDL
  • IDL1
  • IDL2
  • IDL3
    •

    Disabilities Act:

    The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.
    All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.


    Last update: 08/21/2006