Study Guide for Exam #2
METR 2603
Severe and Unusual Weather
Spring, 2001

Q:  What should I study?
A:  You should review all of the materials presented in class (web-based lectures, in-class comments), read the assignments from the text, and study the problem set.

Q:  How will the exam be constructed?
A:  It will consist of a mixture of short-answer questions, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and multiple choice.

Q:  Will I have to solve equations and quantitative problems?
A:  You may have to solve an equation using the thermodynamic diagram (e.g., computing relative humidity).  You should know that equation.

Q:  Do I need to memorize definitions?
A:  The material for exam 2 is more descriptive than for exam 1, so again, I urge you to focus on conceptual understanding, e.g., the onset of rotation in supercell storms.

Q:  Will the exam last the entire class period:
A:  You should be able to complete the exam in 50 minutes.

Q:  Will I need to bring a calculator?
A:  You should have one available.  Please note that your activities will be monitored, so don't even think about typing definitions and other information into an alphanumerical calculator.  Doing so constitues cheating and is grounds for removal from the class and possibly the University.  Stay completely away from such behavior!

Topics to Review

Exam #2 will cover lectures #14-28 (excluding lightning)

Below are key topics to review for exam #2.  The absence of a
particular topic below does NOT mean that it will be excluded
from the exam!  However, I've tried to hit the high points of
questions that I anticipate asking, so please use this as a guide.

Know the types and structure of severe thunderstorms (squall line, supercell, bow echo)
Understand how they differ from one another, and the differences in the
   environmental conditions for each (e.g., vertical wind profiles)
Know the basic characteristics of mesoscale convective complexes and pre-frontal
   squall lines
Be able to describe the conditions necessary for long-lived squall lines
Be able to label the key parts of a supercell storm (see schematic in Lecture 16)
Be able to explain the origin of updraft rotation in supercell storms and the
   reasons why this type of storm is long-lived compared to airmass and other
   storms
Know the three stages of a supercell tornado
Understand the differences between supercell and non-supercell tornadoes
Be able to describe a multi-vortex tornado and how it leads to erratic damage
   patterns
Be able to describe the Fujita tornado intensity scale (don't memorize the wind speeds
   for each category)
Review the basic aspects of storm and tornado climatology (e.g., peak time of tornado
   occurrence, trend of tornadoes over the years)
Be able to create a wind hodograph
Know how to plot storm-relative winds and horizontal rotation vectors on a hodograph
Be able to use a hodograph to assess storm type and updraft rotation (see Air Force handout)
Be able to use a thermodyamic diagram to find the lifted condensation level (LCL),
   convective condensation level (CCL), and relative hummidity
Be able to assess atmospheric stability using a sounding plotted on a thermodynamic diagram
Understand the concept of CAPE as it relates to thunderstorms