A beginning elementary treatment of the atmospheric structure and conditions that lead to the development of convective clouds, thunderstorms, and severe weather (including tornadoes, hail, wind, rain, lightening, and flash floods).  This course will also focus on storm climatology, the socioeconomic impact of severe weather, as well as prediction, detection, warnings, and safety procedures.  Analysis of severe weather events will include tornado movies and case studies of ground/aerial surveys of storm damage.

Course Grading
Two Multiple Choice Exams (given in class)

  • Exam 1 (40%) 
  • Exam 2 (40%

Homework, Tornado Videos & Written Reports (20%)
Assignments due one week after assigned


Reference Text  (Optional)
METEOROLOGY  The Atmosphere and the
                  Science of Weather

  • Joseph M. Moran and Michael D. Morgan
Thunderstorm/Tornado Talk (PowerPoint)

Department of Earth & Atmospheric Science
Purdue University
1397 Civil Engineering Building
West Lafayette, IN  47907
765-494-3258