Read through the class lecture and then visit this website to read about numerical
weather models: http://www.met.tamu.edu/class/Metr151/tut/models/model2.html
You must read part I of tutorial #20 from the webpage to get some of the answers
below (click on tutorial 20--NWS Forecast models and then click on Part
I at the bottom of the first page). (I know, I know, its from A&M but its
useful.) This will only take about 10 minutes to read through. This is a new
link from the one given in class. Apparently the page was changed between Thursday
and Monday. Sorry for the confusion.
***You should be able to answer questions 1-7 from the lecture.
1. (3 pts) Name at least 6 problems with numerical weather prediction.
2. (1 pt) True or False: Despite these numerous flaws, a numerical weather model will usually provide a fairly accurate forecast.
3. (1 pt) A good forecast will usually result when a combination of what 2 things are used?
4. (3 pts) Name 3 important things to pay attention to when looking at model data.
5. (1 pt) What would be a good model to use if you are a TV meteorologist and you have to give a 7 day forecast?
6. (1 pt) How about for a 3 day forecast?
7. (1 pt) What model would be a good choice if you were forecasting for severe weather in the area 6 hours from now?
***For the rest of the questions, you'll need to read part I of tutorial #20 mentioned above. By the way, the ETA model was recently updated to a 22 km horizontal grid resolution, and both the ETA and AVN model now forecast for longer times than listed in the website (the info in the lecture is current). Some of the tutorial data is a little out of date, but it's pretty good source anyway.
8. (1 pt) What does horizontal resolution mean?
9. (1 pt) Which of the major models (not counting the meso-eta) has the best (smallest / finest) horizontal resolution?
10. (1 pt) Which model run would be best for forecasting the position of the jet stream over Missouri at 03Z tonight?
11. (1 pt) Which model would be best for forecasting the development of a squall line over Texas tomorrow night?
12. (1 pt) Which model would be best for forecasting the development of a storm system in the Sea of Japan tomorrow?
13. (2 pts) What are eta coordinates and what is the advantage of using them?
14. (2 pts) Which of the models talked about is "frozen"? What's the purpose of having a "frozen model"?