CD-ROM Case Studies PageCOMET CD-Based
Data Set:
Multimedia Case Study: Hurricane
Erin, 1-4 August 1995
If you are an instructor or trainer who needs to teach subjects such as tropical meteorology, tropical cyclone structure and dynamics, tropical cyclone movement and evolution, or various techniques for forecasting tropical cyclone track and intensity, this case study is designed for you. Consider this case study to be a flexible teaching tool which can help you
Although this case study can help support your instructional activities, it does not come with built-in instructional segments. This is the key distinction between this case study and traditional computer-based learning modules. The case study is not a stand-alone module; it is a resource that you can adapt and embellish according to your unique teaching needs.
Data Products
This case study contains a comprehensive set of data products portraying Hurricane Erin, which occurred during 1-4 August 1995. This tropical cyclone struck the East and Gulf of Mexico Coasts of the United States, causing six deaths and more than $700 million in damages. The data set contains over 1500 different products grouped in six basic classes:
GOES-8 satellite imagery
- visible, infrared, and water vapor images and animations at hemispheric and regional scales of resolution
- high-resolution storm-scale visible and infrared images with overlaid surface observations
WSR-88D Doppler radar products
- base reflectivity and velocity animations from three locations
- storm-total precipitation estimates from two locations
Numerical model forecasts
- AVN (Aviation model) output:
- 1000, 850, and 200 hPa streamlines
- 850, 500, and 200 hPa heights and winds
- 850, 500, and 200 hPa winds and relative vorticity
- 700 hPa heights, relative humidity, and vertical motion
- mean sea-level pressure
- deep-layer density-weighted mean wind
- GFDL (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab) output:
- 850, 700, 500, and 200 hPa heights and winds
- 850, 700, 500, and 200 hPa winds and relative vorticity
- 900-200 hPa wind shear
- mean sea-level pressure and 1000-500 hPa thickness
- RUC (Rapid Update Cycle) output:
- 316, 320, and 330 Kelvin potential vorticity and winds
Surface and upper-air observations and tropical cyclone track charts
- surface observations
- 850, 700, 500, 300, and 200 hPa rawinsonde observations
- hurricane best track charts
- tropical cyclone track forecasts:
- numerical forecasts generated by the 90BE, A90E, AVNI, BAMD, BAMM, BAMS, CLIPER, and GFDL models
- best track analyses and official track forecasts issued by the United States National Weather Service National Hurricane Center (NHC)
Text products issued by the National Hurricane Center
- public, marine, and intermediate advisories
- forecast discussions
- strike probabilities
- preliminary report on Hurricane Erin published by the NHC
Vertical sounding diagrams
- skew T-log p diagrams from seven locations throughout the life of the storm
Learning Activities
The Hurricane Erin case study was designed so that it could be used flexibly by trainers and instructors for a wide variety of learning activities. Here are some examples:
Graphical support for classroom lectures
Recent improvements in the image quality, resolution, and affordability of computer video projectors have now transformed the personal computer into an excellent device for presenting visual aids in the classroom. If such equipment is available to you, this case study data set could be used to illustrate and exemplify many different concepts related to tropical meteorology, tropical cyclones, meteorological data types, etc.
For example, you may wish to illustrate the surface wind and rain patterns of a hurricane; this can easily be done through the case study’s data access and display interface.
Introduction to various meteorological observing systems and data types
The case study can also be used to help introduce beginning-level students to many common meteorological data types. Instructors could use a computer video projector in the classroom to describe and exemplify everything from surface observational data to Doppler velocity wind field patterns. Instructors could also devise pattern identification and analysis exercises using the case study data.
Guided learning activities
Computer-based learning laboratories can support engaging learning activities such as guided examination or exploration exercises. This case study can be used as a "data space" through which you can lead your students on a guided tour. Depending on your learning objectives and the computer resources available, you could structure such guided activities for the entire class (using a computer video projector), small groups (in cooperative learning teams of two-three students), or individual students.
For example, you may want to have students work in pairs to examine the observational data at a certain time, and compare and contrast it with corresponding numerical forecasts. You could facilitate this by making the following preparations:
- create a written hand-out listing the data products students must review
- set up the case study so that students enter at the specified time
- prepare a set of questions (using the case study’s Question Builder facility) to be displayed and answered by your students as they work through the exercise
Simulated forecast scenarios
Forecasting simulations are an important, if not indispensable, component of training for the operational skills of meteorological analysis, diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction. This case study can be conveniently used to present students with forecasting scenarios.
For example, you may want to have students analyze a meteorological situation and predict what will occur. Since the case study has password-controlled time points for entry, students can be "locked out" from latter stages of the event and given access only to a point in time when the storm’s evolution is uncertain. Students could then answer a set of questions (developed by you) leading them through the steps required to diagnose the situation and develop a forecast.
Student research projects
Independent research and report preparation can be an extremely effective learning experience. This case study can also be used as a rich data resource for this type of project. Students can use the data access interface for research and exploration. They can then extract files from the directory structure on the case study CD-ROM to use in preparation of reports or presentations. Please refer to the section below titled Extracting Data Products for further information.
Bilingual Availability
This data set CD is fully bilingual, functioning in both English and Spanish.
 |
 |