An image from the Japanese geostationary meteorological satellite

Click on either of the links below to view animated satellite images of the earth in your web browser or computer movie player.
Quicktime movie file 2.2MB
AVI movie file 1.9M

Introduction

Forecasting the behaviour of the complex fluid that is our atmosphere is a major scientific challenge embracing physics, chemistry and mathematics.

This web-module offers a simple overview of important atmospheric processes, and invites you to learn some skills in interpreting weather maps presented in media and the Bureau of Meteorology's web site.

We hope this module will give you a basic understanding of:

• The geographic features that contribute to Australia's unique weather and climate
• How the sun's energy drives the large-scale motion of the atmosphere
  
• The concepts of 'air masses' and 'fronts'
  
• How atmospheric pressure and air flow are linked
  
• Cloud formation and rainfall
  
• Severe weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes and tropical cyclones
  
• How satellites and radars monitor the weather
  
• How the 'daily weather map' is constructed
  
• How computers predict 'future weather maps'
  
• The natural limits to our ability to forecast weather
  
• The importance of local knowledge in interpreting weather maps and forecasts
  
• How you can find the latest weather information on the Bureau's web site, and make a simple forecast.