This course covers advanced streamlines and isobaric analysis (with emphasis on Africa and her sub-regions). Topics include: contour heights analysis, Frontal analysis and X-sections, Ascent analysis emphasizing convective systems. CODES: METAR, TAFOR, ARFOR, ROFOR, & FIFOR will also be covered.
The main objectives of this course are to treat the various applications of weather/meteorological observations to agriculture. This involves the suggestion of suitable regions for crop production (agroclimatic zoning) and the local variations in crop/animal production. Topics include: Investigation of atmospheric conditions for crops; Farming systems; Soil erosion; Crop-weather modelling for yields and growths; Microclimate modification for crop/animal production.
Hydrometeorology covers principles related to the modeling, observing, and forecasting of processes related to water and energy fluxes and storage terms. This includes the hydrological cycle; Measurement and estimation of evaporation by Penman's method; Soil moisture, runoffs and the effects of vegetation on water balance. Hydrometeorological practices & forecasting techniques in the tropics will be covered.
Dynamical Oceanography gives an introduction to the physical and dynamical processes in the oceans. It starts from a discussion of the following topics: extent of oceans; Changes in salinity; Specific heat and thermal conductivity of sea-water; oceanic salts distribution; Forces and the ocean structure; Dynamical equations governing steady oceanic currents and Air-sea interaction.
In this course students will use the fundamental principles of chemistry to gain an understanding of the source, fate, and reactivity of compounds in natural and polluted environments. Emphasis will be placed on water pollution, water treatment, aquatic chemistry, geochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, air pollution, hazardous materials, waste management, recycling, energy sources and the limits to growth.
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of electrical processes in the atmosphere, with emphasis on theories of charge generation in thunderclouds and their atmospheric effects. The physics of lightening and lightening protection will be treated.
This course describes the behavior and dynamics of the tropical troposphere, from the large-scale energy balance down to cumulus convection and tropical cyclones. Topics include: ITD, ITCZ, monsoons, TEJ, AEJ, El Nino, ENSO, tropical flow Instability; easterly waves, vortices, tropical experiments-GATE, FGCE, MONEX and WAMEX; Present forecasting methods/difficulties in the tropics.
This course will review atmospheric scales of motion and the equations of motion applicable to meso-scale motions. Topics include: tropical meso-scale systems; Cold and warm fronts; Energy source for meso-scale disturbances; Difficulties in studies of meso-scale systems and the effects of orography; Economic aspects of meso-scale systems; Rainfall production by meso-scale disturbances. Convection (cumulonimbus) models, Lands and sea breezes and their dynamics will also be reviewed.
This course is designed to introduce students to the concept of Divergence and Vorticity as applied in the analysis of all meteorological variables. Other topics covered are: Streamline to isogon and isotach analysis; surface and upper air charts; Gridding Techniques; Evaluations of DIV, VORT, and Vertical motion. The special problem of "Tropical Africa" analysis will also be studied.
This course covers the physics/micro-physics of evaporation and condensation in the formation of clouds and the use of satellite and weather radar for monitoring cloud development and precipitation.
