Syllabus

Module 1
Tropical Energy: Solar Energy, Differential heating Moisture distribution in the Atmosphere, Global wind, pressure and precipitation distribution, The tropics major synoptic and surface features structure of the tropics the contrast between the tropics and mid-latitudes
Module 2
Tropical circulations: Temperature and Wind variability in tropics Zonally Averaged Tropical Circulation Meridional Circulation Theory of the Hadley Cell Zonally Asymmetric Features of the Tropics The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and associated concepts.
Module 3
Monsoon: Definition Differential heating Asian monsoon Monsoon onset and withdrawal Active and Break Phases and associated concepts Somali Jet Seasonal variability of monsoon Jet streams and their characteristics Easterly waves Monsoon depressions Continental Tropical Convergence Zone (CTCZ) Tibetan low.
Module 4
Tropical waves and Cyclones: Barotropic instability Combined Barotropic-Baroclinic Instability Tropical cyclones – structure and mechanics life cycle of tropical cyclones energy and momentum budgets associated with tropical cyclones movement and intensity of tropical cyclones Role of Ocean in tropical cyclones Tropical cyclones in climate change scenario.
Module 5
Thunderstorms: Necessary and sufficient conditions required for the formation of thunderstorms life cycle of thunderstorms movement and structure Dissipation of thunderstorms Types – Severe thunderstorms, squall lines, tornadoes, Dust storm (Andhi), Norwesters, Hail storm Thermodynamic indices – CAPE, CINE, Lifted index Severe Thunderstorm Observational Regional Modelling (STORM).
Module 6
Tropical Climate drivers: Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Understanding ENSO processes and evolution ENSO theories and its teleconnections Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) Tropical Biennial Oscillation (TBO).

To understand the energy, meteorological parameters distribution and synoptic features of tropical region.

To understand the circulation and dominant weather phenomena in the tropical region.

To understand the various rain baring systems in India and significant climate drivers in this region.

CO1: Comprehensive understanding the tropical weather systems and their structure
CO2: Understanding the difference between extratropical and tropical weather systems and their driving mechanisms
CO3: Understanding the monsoon and significant synoptic systems associated with it
CO4 : Understanding the cyclone formation, movement and their impacts
CO5: Understanding the extreme events, climate change and the process of Indo-Pacific Climate drivers and their effect

Riehl H, Tropical Meteorology, McGraw Hill , First Edition

Ramage C. S, Monsoon Meteorology, Academic Press , Volume 15, 1971

Charles A. Doswell III, Severe Convective Storms, American Meteorological Society , 2001

C. Donald Ahrens, Meteorology Today (An introduction to weather, climate and environment), West Publishing Company , Third Edition