Undergraduate Math Seminar will meet on
Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 in LGRT 1634. This week, Derek Mobilio will speak
on “Meteorology
and Mathematics: A Match Made in the Upper Atmosphere” (abstract below). As
always, pizza and soda will be provided.
Abstract:
Meteorologists are well-known as TV personalities with some skill in
forecasting the conditions of our atmosphere. But did you know that
meteorologists are also top notch mathematicians? Every bit of information
you see in a weather forecast relies heavily on mathematics—from the
governing differential equations of air flow to the numerical models from
which temperature and precipitation are forecasted. This talk will just
scratch the surface of the unique marriage between mathematics and
atmospheric science. Using algebra and calculus, we will (1) derive the
hypsometric equation from the equation of state, (2) develop a prognostic
equation for a local temperature the total derivative of temperature
change, (3) discuss the concept of atmospheric instability, and (4)
investigate a multiple linear regression model to predict northeast
seasonal snowfall for this coming winter. General questions about
meteorology education and the science of our atmosphere will be welcome at
the conclusion of the program.