Reading topographic maps

Reading topographic maps can be confusing to some. Here are a few resources that may be of help:
Topographic Mapping from the USGS
Topographic map symbols from the USGS
Understanding topographic maps from Idaho State University
Interpreting a topographic map from Idaho State University
Landforms on topographic maps from Prof. Susan Clark Slaymaker (These are particularly helpful to study for [...]

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The ITCZ?

A student recently asked “I was reading the last lecture in unit II and it mentioned sometime about ITCZ…. I remember reading about it in unit I but never really understood what it meant….???”
Well, the ITCZ stands for the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a broad belt of low pressure that straddles the equator. It is [...]

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Mammatus clouds

A severe storm passed through Stevens Point, WI on July 24, 2006. Preceeding its arrival the sky roiled with mammatus clouds, a sure sign of instability and severe weather.
For more see:
Mammatus cloud (Wikipedia entry)

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Zenith and sun angle calculations

In the first lab manual exercise you are required to calculate the noon sun angle. To do so you need to know the zenith angle. The zenith angle (Z) is “the number of degrees between a site location and the declination of the Sun.”
To calculate the zenith angle:
- Subtract site location and declination when they [...]

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The Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect (or force) is a subject that is often confusing to
students. The Coriolis Effect is the effect of earth rotation on the
direction (and path) of the wind. Use the following sites to help you understand how the Coriolis effect works:

Observe an animation of the Coriolis effect over Earth’s surface. (Exploring Earth)
Observe how [...]

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Review tools for tests

The Review tools for tests guide at the Study Guides and Strategies site provides helpful hints to prepare for tests.

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Study Guides and Strategies

The Study Guides and Strategies site covers every aspect of learning whether in a traditional classroom or online, on your own or as a group. Highly recommended.

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TPE videos

I have included links to several videos and audio programs in the online textbook. See the contents and chapter review pages for links. These resources help provide a more context and help review course content.

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