METR 2413 QUIZ #1 NAME_______________________________
DUE in 15 minutes!


1. What does ASOS stand for?

AUTOMATED SURFACE OBSERVING SYSTEM (2 points)
Reading Assignment, Section 2-3, p14

2. Define the terms “synoptic scale” and “mesoscale”.

Synoptic: In general, pertaining to or affording an overall view. Synoptic scale refers to scales of meteorological phenomena on the order of 1000's of kilometers that last for several days to a week. (2 points)

Mesoscale: Refers to scales of atmospheric phenomena of 10's to 100's of kilometers that last for hours to a day. (Smaller than synoptic scale systems.) (2 points)
Reading Assignment, Section 1-5, p10

3. What is meant by “representativeness”?

The adequacy of a specific meteorological observation to 'represent' the atmospheric phenomena or property of interest. (2 points)
Reading Assignment, Section 2-2, p13

4. At what elevation above the ground are ‘surface’ temperature observations taken?

Between 1.2 and 2 meters. (2 points)
Reading Assignment, Section 2-3, p14

5. Decode the following METAR (NOTE THE UNITS!!!)

KOKC 061152Z 36011KT 10SM CLR M13/M18 A3066 RMK AO2 SLP402 T11331178 11089 21133 58021=

Day/Time = _____ / ______ CST

Decoding the 061152Z group yields the 6th day of the month at 1152UTC, which in January is 0552CST (subtract 6 hours from UTC to get to CST, 5 hours for CDT) (2 points)

Temperature = _____ F (to nearest tenth)

Temperature code is M13, or -13C, and in the remarks section is T1133, or -13.3C. Multiply -13.3C by 1.8, then add 32.0 = 8.1F (2 points)

Dew Point = _____ F (to nearest tenth)

Dew Point code is M18, or -18C, and in the remarks section is T11331178, or-17.8C. Multiply -17.8C by 1.8, then add 32.0 = 0.0F (2 points)

Wind Speed = _____ MPH

Wind code is 36011KT, wind speed is 11 knots. Multiply 11 knots by 1.15 = 13mph. (2 points)

Wind Direction = _____ (compass direction, not degrees!)

Wind code is 36011KT, wind direction is 360 degrees. Compass direction is North (N). (2 points)

Total = 20 points