WX INFO
Lesson 1
Chapters 1 & 2
Lesson 2
Chapter 3 & Instrument Supplement
Lesson 3
Weather Maps
Lesson 4
Chapter 4
Lesson 5
Chapter 5
Lesson 6
Chapter 6
Lesson 7
Chapter 7
Lesson 8
Chapter 8
Lesson 9
Chapter 9
Lesson 10
Chapter 10
Lesson 11
Wind Shear and Turbulence
Lesson 12
Icing
Lesson 13
Visibility
Lesson 14
Case Study/Self-Briefing
Lesson 15
Case Study/Self-Briefing
Lesson 16
Case Study/Self-Briefing

LESSON 5: Vertical Motion and Stability

Objectives

The vertical structure of the atmosphere important for flight and for weather. It determines vertical motions, cloud types and turbulence. It is therefore crucial that you understand how to interpret observations of the vertical structure of the atmosphere in terms of temperature, moisture, and winds. The book provides a good discussion on determining stability, though it does not use thermodynamic diagrams. This lesson will introduce you to a thermodynamic diagram called the Stuve diagram. We will also introduce you to the concepts of turbulence and its causes.
  1. Understand the fundamental causes of turbulence.
  2. Learn to read a thermodynamic diagram.

Reading Assignment: Chapter 5, there is also extensive background material

Background

Practice

Assignment

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This web based lab section is being developed with assistance from the College of Letters and Science and the Cooperative Institute of Meteorological Satellite Studies.   Material presented is Copyrighted (C) 2000 by Steve Ackerman .  Feel free to use this material for non-profit educational purposes!