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 polar latitudes. Dr. Winters is specifically investigating the atmospheric 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 stream configurations are conducive to high-impact weather events over North America. Our research group is also actively investigating the predictability of near-freezing precipitation events as well as the dynamics and characteristics of high-latitude atmospheric rivers. We are also focusing on diagnosing a variety of extreme weather events along the Colorado Front Range, including bomb cyclones, strong cold frontal passages, and extreme downslope winds. Research questions investigated by our research group are addressed using a combination of long-term reanalysis and climate datasets, operational and idealized forecast model output, and representative case studies.
ATOC 1050 - Weather and the Atmosphere
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2023
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 - Upper Division
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 restriction: students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
ATOC 4700 - Weather Analysis & Forecasting
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
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 4890 - Synoptic Dynamic Meteorology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Weather conditions at middle latitudes are characterized by complex interactions between air masses, fronts, cyclones, and anticyclones. These interactions are governed by a set of elegant mathematical equations that describe the behavior of the atmosphere. Students will manipulate and apply these equations in real time in order to diagnose the development and evolution of a variety of synoptic-scale weather systems, including fronts, jet streams, and extratropical cyclones. Recommended prerequisite: ATOC 3050, ATOC 4720, one year of Calculus, and one semester of Physics with Calculus. Recommended restriction: Junior and Senior-level students. Previously offered as a special topics course. Same as ATOC 5890.
ATOC 4950 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022
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 4990 - Internship
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
This course is designed to provide junior and senior ATOC majors with the opportunity to work hands-on in the community and to gain practical knowledge and experience in both research and industry. Participation in the program requires both on-site and academic work. Recommended restriction: Students should have junior or senior standing (at the time of the internship) and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
ATOC 5050 - Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
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 5890 - Synoptic Dynamic Meteorology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Weather conditions at middle latitudes are characterized by complex interactions between air masses, fronts, cyclones, and anticyclones. These interactions are governed by a set of elegant mathematical equations that describe the behavior of the atmosphere. Students will manipulate and apply these equations in real time in order to diagnose the development and evolution of a variety of synoptic-scale weather systems, including fronts, jet streams, and extratropical cyclones. Recommended prerequisite: ATOC 3050, ATOC 4720, one year of Calculus, and one semester of Physics with Calculus. Previously offered as a special topics course. Same as ATOC 4890.
ATOC 6020 - Seminar in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Studies an area of current research in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Students read selected papers from the literature. Students and faculty give presentations and participate in discussions. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours within the degree. May be repeated for a total of 3 credit hours within a semester.
