Aviation Weather
Week 6

Choose ONE of the topics below as your main post. In 500 words or less, develop a structured and engaging initial post that covers all discussion points as outlined for that topic. Include at least one graphic, video, or image that visually adds to some aspect of your post. Then in 300 words or less, develop a thoughtful and substantive posts for the other two topics that you did not choose for your initial post.

1. After studying the concept of eddies and the Focus Topic Eddies and Air Pockets in chapter 9, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Define atmospheric wind shear, and briefly explain how, in general, the existence of wind shear creates eddies and air pockets that cause atmospheric turbulence. In your discussion, clarify the differences between horizontal and vertical wind shear, and the eddies generated by each. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: Describe one scenario of specific atmospheric conditions that would result in the generation of wind shear and turbulence, and any potential visual signs that may exist to serve as a warning to pilots of the potential for encountering turbulence for this scenario.

• Paragraph 3: You have TWO options for this paragraph: 1) research and summarize an actual aircraft incident related to the scenario discussed in paragraph 2, OR 2) give us “your take” on the relevance and importance of the above concept from your own perspective – personal points of view or related experiences, for example.

2. Read the chapter 9 Focus Topic Pedaling into the Wind, and do some web research on the concept of the force that the wind exerts on objects. Then addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Explain, in words, the mathematical relationship between the force of the wind and the wind speed as discussed in the Focus Topic, emphasizing the significance of the “squared” part of the relationship.

• Paragraph 2: Based on the definition of pressure (P) as force (F) per unit area (A), or P = F/A, explain the significance of area to the force that the wind exerts on an object. Give a practical example that illustrates this concept. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

Paragraph 3: You have TWO options for this paragraph: 1) explain the relevance of the above concept to aircraft in flight, OR 2) give us “your take” on the relevance and importance of the above concept from your own perspective – personal points of view or related experiences, for example.

3. In module 2, we explored the four factors that control the temperature of a region – latitude, elevation above sea level, land/water distribution, and ocean currents (reference the chapter 3 topic Regional Temperature Variations). In this module (module 6), the chapter 10 topic Atmosphere-Ocean Interactions describes the influences that the atmosphere and ocean have on one another, providing more insight into the effects of land/water distribution and ocean currents on regional temperatures.

After reviewing the two related concepts mentioned above, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Explain how both ocean currents and upwelling create dramatic differences in ocean surface temperatures along the US West and East coasts. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: Compare the summer climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia (on the US East Coast) to that of San Francisco, CA (on the US West Coast at nearly the same latitude as Virginia Beach), and correlate the differences in summer climate between the two locations to the discussion in paragraph 1. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

Paragraph 3: You have TWO options for this paragraph: Discuss the differences in potential weather impacts to summertime flight operations at both locations discussed in paragraph 2, OR 2) Give us “your take” on the relevance and importance of the topic from your own perspective – personal points of view or related experiences, for example.

Week 7

Choose ONE of the topics below as your main post. In 500 words or less, develop a structured and engaging initial post that covers all discussion points as outlined for that topic. Include at least one graphic, video, or image that visually adds to some aspect of your post. Then in 300 words or less, develop a thoughtful and substantive posts for the other two topics that you did not choose for your initial post.

1. After reading the chapter 11 topic Air Masses of North America and Focus Topic Lake Effect (Enhanced) Snows, and reviewing the National Weather Service’s explanation of lake effect snow, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Explain the development of lake effect snow. In your explanation, include a discussion of the air mass modification that takes place as air moves across the lake, and the resulting progression of weather across the lake from the windward to leeward side. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: Discuss the importance of both wind direction and lake temperature in determining the amount of snowfall produced.

Paragraph 3: You have THREE options for this paragraph: 1) research and discuss some of the potential safety hazards, damage to property, and disruption to human activity (including flight operations) caused by a significant lake effect snow event OR 2) research and summarize a noteworthy lake effect snow event in recent history OR 3) Relate a personal experience involving a lake effect snow event to the discussion in paragraphs 1 and 2.

2. After reviewing Module 7 – Mini Lesson: Structure and Development of Mid-Latitude Cyclones, the chapter 12 Focus Topic Northeasters, and the National Weather Service’s explanation of Nor’easters, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Define a Nor’easter. Discuss the time of year Nor’easters are most likely to develop, and their typical path of movement. Outline the typical weather conditions associated with these storms. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: Based on the concepts discussed in chapter 12 on mid-latitude cyclone development, explain how and why the typical path of movement of Nor’easters drives their rapid intensification. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

Paragraph 3: You have THREE options for this paragraph: 1) research and discuss some of the potential safety hazards, damage to property, and disruption to human activity (including flight operations) caused by Nor’easters OR 2) research and summarize an historic Nor’easter OR 3) Relate a personal experience involving a Nor’easter to the discussion in paragraphs 1 and 2.

3. After reviewing Module 7 – Mini-Lesson: Fronts and Aviation, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: For either a warm front or a cold front (choose one to discuss), summarize the typical horizontal and vertical structure of the front, and the types and changes in weather elements (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.) and atmospheric stability experienced during the passage of the front. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: Summarize the specific aviation-related issues associated with your chosen front type while flying through the front, and while taking off or landing at an airfield during its passage.

Paragraph 3: You have TWO options for this paragraph: 1) Summarize an actual aircraft incident involving the weather associated with your chosen front type, OR 2) Give us “your take” on the relevance and importance of this topic from your own perspective – personal points of view or related experiences, for example.

Week 8

Choose ONE of the topics below as your main post. In 500 words or less, develop a structured and engaging initial post that covers all discussion points as outlined for that topic. Include at least one graphic, video, or image that visually adds to some aspect of your post. Then in 300 words or less, develop a thoughtful and substantive posts for the other two topics that you did not choose for your initial post.

1. After reviewing the chapter 14 topic Thunderstorm Types and the module 8 mini-lesson on Ordinary vs. Severe Thunderstorms, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: There are two required elements to this paragraph: 1) State the National Weather Service’s definition of a severe thunderstorm. AND 2) Define vertical wind shear, and explain why it is THE important differentiating factor between ordinary cell (or air mass) thunderstorms and severe thunderstorms. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: Describe at least two specific features of either multicell or supercell thunderstorms that makes it likely to be categorized as severe.

Paragraph 3: You have THREE options for this paragraph: 1) Besides that associated with microbursts (a separate discussion topic), research and discuss two or more other specific hazards to aircraft taking off, landing in, or flying through, a severe thunderstorm. OR 2) research and discuss three or more potential safety hazards, damage to property, and disruption to everyday human activity caused by severe thunderstorms. OR 3) Relate a personal experience involving a severe thunderstorm to the discussion in paragraphs 1 and 2.

2. After reading the Chapter 14 topic Thunderstorms and Flooding, and the Focus Topic The Terrifying Flash Flood in the Big Thompson Canyon, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Define a flash flood, and discuss the aspects of thunderstorms that cause flash flooding. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: On the National Weather Service’s Flood Safety website, research and summarize the dangerous aspects of flash floods to humans. Include in your summary the meaning behind the National Weather Service slogan “Turn around, don’t drown!”.

Paragraph 3: You have TWO options for this paragraph: 1) research and summarize an historic US flash flooding event OR 2) Relate a personal experience involving a flash flood to the discussion in paragraphs 1 and 2.

3. After completing the module 8 mini-lesson The Hazards of Microbursts in Aviation, addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Summarize the physical processes by which microbursts develop, based on the concepts presented in module 8. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

• Paragraph 2: Summarize the specific aviation-related hazard associated with microbursts. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

Paragraph 3: You have TWO options for this paragraph: 1) Research and summarize an actual aircraft incident related to microbursts. OR 2) Research and outline specific procedures and/or detection systems utilized to mitigate the potential dangers to aircraft from microbursts.

4. After reading about supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes in Chapters 14 and 15, addresses the following points regarding tornado development:

• Paragraph 1: Describe the structure of supercell thunderstorms, their characteristics, and the specific atmospheric conditions required for their development. Your discussion here should include the role of vertical wind shear.

• Paragraph 2: Define the region of the United States known as “tornado alley”, and, tying in the discussion in paragraph 1, explain why the development of supercell thunderstorms containing large tornadoes is more likely here than any other place on Earth. (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here)

Paragraph 3: You have TWO options for this paragraph: 1) Research and summarize an historic tornado outbreak , tying in your discussion from paragraphs 1 and 2, OR 2) Share a personal experience involving a tornadic supercell thunderstorm, tying in your discussion from paragraphs 1 and 2.

Week 9

Choose ONE of the topics below as your main post. In 500 words or less, develop a structured and engaging initial post that covers all discussion points as outlined for that topic. Include at least one graphic, video, or image that visually adds to some aspect of your post. Then in 300 words or less, develop a thoughtful and substantive posts for the other two topics that you did not choose for your initial post.

1. For the year 2004 or later, research and identify a major (Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale category 3 or above) hurricane that made landfall in the United States. After identifying a storm, use the National Hurricane Center’s data archive website, to review the report for this storm in the Tropical Cyclone Reports section, and to review data and graphics for this storm in the Tropical Cyclone Advisory Archive section.

After doing some research, write on this storm that addresses the following:

• Paragraph 1: Summarize the storm track and its impacts (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here).

• Paragraph 2: Relate your summary in paragraph 1 to what you learned in module 9 about the various aspects of hurricanes.

Paragraph 3: Give us “your take” on the relevance and importance of your discussion in paragraphs 1 and 2 from your own perspective – personal points of view or related experiences, for example.

2. After reviewing the information provided in module 9 regarding the NOAA Hurricane Hunters, discusses the conditions and potential hazards of flying an aircraft through a hurricane. The discussion should address the following:

• Paragraph 1: Summarize the horizontal and vertical structure of weather elements (pressure, winds, clouds, etc.), and the circulation of air within a hurricane (graphics will add greatly to the discussion here).

• Paragraph 2: Based on the summary in paragraph 1, discuss the specifics of the expected flight conditions (winds, visibility, turbulence, weather, etc.) and potential flight hazards for a hurricane data collection mission in a NOAA Hurricane Hunter P-3 Turbo-prop aircraft, where the planned flight path will take the plane through the center of the hurricane from its outer edge, at an altitude of 10,000 feet.

Paragraph 3: Justify the importance of the dangerous mission of the hurricane hunters, by discussing: 1) the types of data collected during a hurricane hunter mission, and the sensors onboard the NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft used to collect the data, AND 2) one or more of the important uses and outcomes of the data collected.

3. The 2004 and 2005 Atlantic Basin hurricane seasons were record-breaking in more ways than one. After doing some research on these two hurricane seasons (using resources on the National Hurricane Center’s Climatology page, including this document, and other reputable websites), choose ONE of the seasons (2004 or 2005), and addresses the following points:

• Paragraph 1: Summarize the record-breaking aspects of the hurricane season.

• Paragraph 2: Utilize concepts from module 9 regarding hurricanes to explain the much higher than average number and intensity of storms that developed during the season.

Paragraph 3: Give us “your take” on the relevance and importance of your discussion in paragraphs 1 and 2 from your own perspective – personal points of view or related experiences, for example.