Syllabus

Module 1: 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 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: Monsoons: 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 tropical depressions: 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. 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 5: Concepts of tropical large-scale phenomena: Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO)

To make students understand various meteorological parameters that are associated with the tropical region.

To understand fundamental forces, Energy and wind balance systems in the tropics.

To understand ITCZ formation and global monsoon systems with special emphasis on the Indian Summer Monsoon as well as tropical warm pool.

To understand life cycles of thunderstorms and cyclones.
Imparting knowledge concerning tropical large scale phenomena.

CO1: Demonstrate understanding of various meteorological parameters and their influence on tropical weather and climate.
CO2: Analyze fundamental forces, energy dynamics, and wind balance systems that govern atmospheric circulation in the tropics.
CO3: Evaluate the formation of the ITCZ and global monsoon systems, with a focus on the Indian Summer Monsoon and tropical warm pool.
CO3: Explain the life cycles, development processes, and impacts of thunderstorms and cyclones.
CO4: Apply knowledge of large-scale tropical phenomena to real-world meteorological and climate-related challenges.

Riehl H., Tropical Meteorology, McGraw Hill , New York, 1954.

Geoffrey K. Vallis, Essentials of Atmospheric and Oceanic Dynamics, Cambridge University , 2019

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, 1988