Atmospheric Sciences (ATMO)  Department Info

ATMO 171 -- Introduction to Meteorology and Climatology  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to weather processes and climate, including discussions of fronts and cyclones, precipitation processes, the wind systems of the world, severe storms, and weather modification.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 110.
Identical to:  GEOG 171.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

ATMO 171L -- Introduction to Meteorology and Climatology Laboratory  (1 unit)
Description:  Quantitative exercises illustrating the physical and chemical behavior of the atmosphere and the fundamental concepts used in weather analysis and forecasting.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, ATMO 171.
Identical to:  GEOG 171L.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

ATMO 195A -- Atmospheric Sciences  (1 unit)
Description:  This first-year colloquium introduces students to various aspects of the atmospheric sciences. The colloquium covers current research topics, problems of interest to operational meteorologists and a discussion of requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Atmospheric Science. Guest speakers include faculty members from within the department as well as individuals from other departments and outside agencies such as local television stations and the National Weather Service. Student presentations on a topic atmospheric science are required during the latter portion of the course. Student grades are determined by a general examination covering student presentations only.   This is a First-Year Colloquium Course.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 199 -- Independent Study  (1-9 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 299 -- Independent Study  (1-9 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 299H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 300A -- General Meteorology-Physical  (3 units)
Description:  Survey of physical meteorology, recommended for students wanting a more quantitative approach to meteorology than provided in ATMO 171.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, MATH 129; recommend ATMO171.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 300B -- General Meteorology-Dynamic  (3 units)
Description:  Survey of dynamic meteorology, recommended for students wanting a more quantitative approach to meteorology than provided in 171.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, MATH 223.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 336 -- Weather, Climate and Society  (3 units)
Description:  The course examines basic weather phenomena, climate and climate change, and the associated effects on individuals and societies in the past and present. The possibility and effects of human-caused changes in the climate system are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s):  two courses from Tier One, Natural Sciences (NATS 101, 102, 104).
Approved as:  General Education Tier Two - Natural Sciences.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

ATMO 350 -- Atmospheric Measurements  (3 units)
Description:  Theory and use of meteorological instruments; laboratory and field demonstrations and practices.  This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the upper-division writing proficiency requirement; PHYS 142, PHYS 241, MATH 254.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 399 -- Independent Study  (1-9 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 399H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 421 -- Physical Climatology  (3 units)
Description:  The global and surface energy balance; the hydrologic cycle; the influence on climate of the atmospheric and oceanic circulation; climate history, sensitivity, modeling, and natural and anthropogenic change.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 129, ATMO 171.
Identical to:  GEOG 421.
May be convened with:  ATMO 521.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 430 -- Computational Methods of Atmospheric Science  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to computational methods used in solving problems in the Atmospheric Sciences. Emphasis is on numerical techniques used in developing numerical weather prediction and climate models and in radiative transfer. Knowledge of FORTRAN is required. Also includes an introduction to statistical analysis of observational data and statistical prediction. One-hour discussion section scheduled each week in order for the instructor to assist students in the computer lab.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 300A, ATMO 300B, MATH 254, ENGR 170.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 441A -- Dynamic Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor.
Identical to:  PTYS 441A.
May be convened with:  ATMO 541A.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 441B -- Dynamic Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor.
Identical to:  PTYS 441B.
May be convened with:  ATMO 541B.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 451A -- Introduction to Physical Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor.
May be convened with:  ATMO 551A.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 451B -- Introduction to Physical Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor.
May be convened with:  ARC 561A.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 465 -- Mesoscale Analysis  (3 units)
Description:  Description, analysis, and dynamics of weather systems of the mesoscale. Topics may include fronts, thunderstorms, gravity waves, lake effect storms and sea breezes.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, ATMO 441B; ATMO 471.
May be convened with:  ATMO 565.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 469A -- Air Pollution I  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to the chemistry of air pollutants in the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include a physical chemistry refresher; air pollution; carbon cycle; stratospheric ozone; combustion; aerosols; samplings; legislation.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 223. ATMO 469A is not prerequisite to ATMO 469B but is recommended.
Identical to:  CHEE 469A.
May be convened with:  ATMO 569A.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 469B -- Air Pollution II  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to the chemistry of air pollutants in the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include a physical chemistry refresher; air pollution; carbon cycle; stratospheric ozone; combustion; aerosols; samplings; legislation.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 223. ATMO 469A is not prerequisite to ATMO 469B but is recommended.
Identical to:  CHEE 469B.
May be convened with:  ATMO 569B.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 470 -- Advanced Weather Analysis Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Exploration of dynamic and thermodynamic principles that govern the atmosphere. Use of computerized weather analysis and visualization software; interpretation of output from operational numerical weather prediction models; daily forecasting practice.
Prerequisite(s):  ENGR 170; Concurrent registration ATMO 471 or ATMO 472. Open to majors only.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
May be convened with:  ATMO 570.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 471 -- Synoptic Meteorology  (1 unit)
Description:  Principles of meteorological analysis; fundamental concepts of dynamic meteorology. Structure and dynamics of midlatitude cyclones and fronts. Use of computer driven graphical displays.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 441A; Prerequisite or Concurrent registration, ATMO 350, ATMO 441B, and ATMO 470.
May be convened with:  ATMO 571.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 472 -- Weather Analysis and Forecasting  (1 unit)
Description:  Advanced analysis techniques. Principles of weather forecasting and actual forecasting experience.
Prerequisite(s):  ATM0 410 or ATMO 430; ATM0 471; Concurrent registration, ATM0 470.
May be convened with:  ATMO 572.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 489 -- Atmospheric Electricity  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to sources and chemistry of atmospheric ions, fair weather electricity, the global circuit, electrical structure of clouds, thunderstorm electrification, lightning, lightning electromagnetic fields, mechanisms of lightning damage and lightning protection.
Prerequisite(s):  PHYS 241, MATH 322, or consent of instructor.
Identical to:  ECE 489.
May be convened with:  ATMO 589.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 490 -- Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth  (3 units)
Description:  A multidisciplinary course delineating the physical basis of electromagnetic remote sensing, the concepts of information extraction, and applications pertinent to earth systems science.
Identical to:  REM 490; REM is home department.
May be convened with:  ATMO 590.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 493 -- Internship  (1-6 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
May be repeated:  for a total of 6 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 498 -- Senior Capstone  (1-6 units)
Description:  A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

ATMO 498H -- Honors Thesis  (1-5 units)
Description:  An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
May be repeated:  for a total of 9 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 499 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 499H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 521 -- Physical Climatology  (3 units)
Description:  The global and surface energy balance; the hydrologic cycle; the influence on climate of the atmospheric and oceanic circulation; climate history, sensitivity, modeling, and natural and anthropogenic change. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Identical to:  ARL 521.
May be convened with:  ATMO 421.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 524 -- Hydroclimatology  (3 units)
Description:  Precipitation formation processes, the surface and atmospheric branch of the hydrologic cycle, land surface-atmosphere interaction, surface energy balance, evapotranspiration, heat and moisture fluxes into the soil and atmospheric boundary layer.
Identical to:  HWR 524; HWR is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 530 -- Micrometeorology  (3 units)
Description:  Theoretical aspects of atmospheric turbulence, including discussions of laminar flow, turbulent flow, the mechanical energy equations, and the shearing stress and the wind profile.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 541B.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 535 -- Air/Sea Interactions  (3 units)
Description:  Physical characteristics of the oceans; the dynamics of ocean currents and their interactions with the atmosphere; El Nino and other teleconnections between the oceans and the atmosphere.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 300B.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 541A -- Dynamic Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Identical to:  PTYS 541A.
May be convened with:  ATMO 441A.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 541B -- Dynamic Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Identical to:  PTYS 541B.
May be convened with:  ATMO 441B.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 544 -- Physics of High Atmospheres  (3 units)
Description:  Physical properties of upper atmospheres, including gaseous composition, temperature and density, ozonosphere, and ionospheres, with emphasis on chemical transformations and eddy transport.
Identical to:  PTYS 544; PTYS is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 551A -- Introduction into Physical Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.
May be convened with:  ATMO 451B.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 551B -- Introduction into Physical Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.
May be convened with:  ATMO 451B.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 565 -- Mesoscale Analysis  (3 units)
Description:  Description, analysis, and dynamics of weather systems of the mesoscale. Topics may include fronts, thunderstorms, gravity waves, lake effect storms and sea breezes. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.
May be convened with:  ATMO 465.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 567 -- Inverse Problems in Geophysics  (3 units)
Description:  Linear and nonlinear inverse theory, including least squares, generalized and maximum likelihood methods.
Prerequisite(s):  experience with linear algebra and computer programming recommended.
Identical to:  GEOS 567; GEOS is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

ATMO 569A -- Air Pollution I  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to the chemistry of air pollutants in the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include a physical chemistry refresher; air pollution; carbon cycle; stratospheric ozone; combustion; aerosols; samplings; legislation. Graduate-level requirements include additional homework and other exercises.
Identical to:  CHEE 569A.
May be convened with:  ATMO 469A.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 569B -- Air Pollution II  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to the chemistry of air pollutants in the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include a physical chemistry refresher; air pollution; carbon cycle; stratospheric ozone; combustion; aerosols; samplings; legislation. Graduate-level requirements include additional homework and other exercises.
Identical to:  CHEE 569B.
May be convened with:  ATMO 469B.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 570 -- Advanced Weather Analysis Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Exploration of dynamic and thermodynamic principles that govern the atmosphere. Use of computerized weather analysis and visualization software; interpretation of output from operational numerical weather prediction models; daily forecasting practice. Graduate-level requirements include additional quantitative material and a term paper
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
May be convened with:  ATMO 470.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 571 -- Synoptic Meteorology  (1 unit)
Description:  Principles of meteorological analysis; fundamental concepts of dynamic meteorology. Structure and dynamics of midlatitude cyclones and fronts. Use of computer driven graphical displays. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 541A; Concurrent registration, ATMO 541B, ATMO 570.
May be convened with:  ATMO 471.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 572 -- Weather Analysis and Forecasting  (1 unit)
Description:  Advanced analysis techniques. Principles of weather forecasting and actual forecasting experience. Graduate-level requirements include a survey paper on some aspect of weather prediction.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 410, ATMO 471; Concurrent registration, ATMO 570.
May be convened with:  ATMO 472.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 580 -- Convection and Tropical Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to fundamentals of convection and convectively driven circulations. Topics include: Rayleigh-Bernard convection, moist thermodynamics, heat engines, planetary scale and synoptic and mesoscale tropical circulations.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 541B, ATMO 551B or consent of instructor.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 583 -- Remote Sensing Instrumentation and Techniques  (3 units)
Description:  Development of instrumentation, measurement and signal processing techniques required for electromagnetic remote sensing applications with emphasis on atmospheric remote sensing.
Prerequisite(s):  ECE 482.
Identical to:  ECE 583; ECE is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 589 -- Atmospheric Electricity  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to sources and chemistry of atmospheric ions, fair weather electricity, the global circuit, electrical structure of clouds, thunderstorm electrification, lightning, lightning electromagnetic fields, mechanisms of lightning damage and lightning protection. Graduate-level requirements include different homework assignments and tests.
Identical to:  ECE 589.
May be convened with:  ATMO 489.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 590 -- Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth  (3 units)
Description:  A multidisciplinary course delineating the physical basis of electromagnetic remote sensing, the concepts of information extraction, and applications pertinent to earth systems science. Graduate-level requirements include an additional term paper.
Identical to:  REM 590; REM is home department.
May be convened with:  ATMO 490.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 595B -- Global Climate Change  (3 units)
Description:  The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants.
Prerequisite(s):  strong quantitative background in HWR, ATMO, GEOS, or RNR.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Identical to:  GEOS 595B, HWR 595B.
Usually offered:  Fall, Summer.

ATMO 595C -- General Circulation Observations and Modeling  (1-3 units)
Description:  The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 541A, ATMO 551A, ENGR 170.
Identical to:  GEOS 595C, HWR 595C.
Usually offered:  Spring, Summer.

ATMO 599 -- Independent Study  (1-6 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 641 -- Theoretical Meteorology  (3 units)
Description:  Methods of solution of the hydrodynamic equations; identification and analysis of acoustic, gravity, Kelvin-Helmholtz, inertial, Kelvin, barotropic and baroclinic waves.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 541B.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 651 -- Cloud and Precipitation Physics  (3 units)
Description:  Thermodynamics of nucleation, drop growth by condensation, collection and coalescence processes, drop breakup, ice crystal growth accretion and aggregation.
Prerequisite(s):  ATMO 551A.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 656A -- Atmospheric Radiation and Remote Sensing  (3 units)
Description:  Theory of atmospheric radiative transfer processes; specific methods for solving the relevant equations; applications to problems in radiative transfer; theoretical basis for remote sensing from the ground and from space; solutions to the "inverse" problem.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 254.
Identical to:  OPTI 656A.
Usually offered:  Fall.

ATMO 656B -- Atmospheric Radiation and Remote Sensing  (3 units)
Description:  Theory of atmospheric radiative transfer processes; specific methods for solving the relevant equations; applications to problems in radiative transfer; theoretical basis for remote sensing from the ground and from space; solutions to the "inverse" problem.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 254.
Identical to:  OPTI 656B.
Usually offered:  Spring.

ATMO 900 -- Research  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 910 -- Thesis  (1-6 units)
Description:  Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 920 -- Dissertation  (1-9 units)
Description:  Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

ATMO 930 -- Supplementary Registration  (1-9 units)
Description:  For students who have completed all course requirements for their advanced degree programs. May be used concurrently with other enrollments to bring to total number of units to the required minimum.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.