Dr. Winters's research interests are focused on understanding the dynamics, variability, and predictability of atmospheric flow patterns that are conducive to the development of high-impact weather events at middle and high latitudes. Dr. Winters is specifically investigating the processes that facilitate the merger of the typically separate polar and subtropical jet streams, and how that merger relates to high-impact weather both in current and future climates. Additionally, Dr. Winters is exploring the predictability of the North Pacific and North Atlantic jet streams, and discerning whether certain jet regimes are conducive to high-impact weather events over North America. The research questions explored by Dr. Winters's research group are investigated employing a combination of long-term reanalysis and climate datasets, operational and idealized model output, and representative case studies.
ATOC 1050 - Weather and the Atmosphere
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021
Introduces principles of modern meteorology for nonscience majors, with emphasis on scientific and human issues associated with severe weather events. Includes description, methods of prediction, and impacts of blizzards, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods, and firestorms.
ATOC 4500 - Special Topics in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Acquaints students at the upper division level with current research in atmospheres, oceans, and climate. Topics may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 18 total credit hours within the degree as long as the topic is different. Students may register for more than one section of this course in the same semester. Recommended prerequisites and corequisites: will vary depending on topic. Recommended restriction: students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
ATOC 4700 - Weather Analysis & Forecasting
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Utilizing a range of operational weather observations to analyze current weather conditions, providing hands-on experience interpreting observations and relating those observations to the physical principles that govern atmospheric behavior is the course emphasis. It focuses on how to read weather reports, analyze observations, and how to prepare weather maps to analyze current conditions and how to interpret numerical weather forecasts. Recommended prerequisite: ATOC 1050 or ATOC 1060 or ATOC 4720 or ATOC major.
ATOC 4950 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Students work independently on a research topic under the guidance of a faculty member. A written thesis and an oral presentation of the work are required. Registration by arrangement and with consent of faculty mentor. Department enforced prerequisite: minimum 3.00 GPA.
ATOC 5050 - Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Covers atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics and the underlying governing laws and mathematical and physical principles. Topics include atmospheric composition and thermodynamics, conservation laws and atmospheric governing equations, geostrophic balance and balanced flows, vorticity dynamics and boundary layers. Recommended prerequisite: one year of calculus-based physics and math through differential equations. ATOC graduate core course.
ATOC 7500 - Special Topics in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Acquaints students with current research in atmospheres, oceans, and climate. Topics may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Students may register for more than one section of this course in the same semester. Formerly ATOC 7500.
