1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Convective Clouds and Storms

Convective Clouds and Storms (ATOC90011)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2024 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2024 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
August
FeesLook up fees

The aim of this subject is to explore processes governing convection in the atmosphere, with a particular emphasis on severe convective storms and tropical cyclones. Specific topics covered include buoyancy, local convection, cellular convection, stability, severe storms - including supercell storms and squall lines, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Evaluate the detailed mechanisms governing the formation of convective clouds and storms on a range of spatial and temporal scales.
  • Understand, explain and summarize advanced theories of moist convection, mesoscale dynamics, and gravity waves.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the analysis and visualisation of computational and observational data to study storm dynamics.
  • Apply advanced knowledge to interpret data from storm-scale computational models
  • Evaluate and criticise areas of active research on the topics of convection and storms and identify disputed theories and gaps in knowledge

Generic skills

  • Exercise critical judgement;
  • undertake rigorous and independent thinking;
  • adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks;
  • develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills.

Last updated: 8 November 2024