Alright I have some questions

[ddowney]

I am new to the study of weather. Where should I begin my studies of weather? What resources do I have at my disposal(generally) being just an amateur? How many of you started out being amateurs then moved on to big and better things. I want to study weather phenomena and share it with people (like here), but I feel to shy to because I feel I may become ridiculed for not knowing much. But I guess thats how learning is. So either way , I'd love some pointers, I'd also love to be a spotter, plus I studying to get my HAM license at the moment.

Thanks again

Damien

 

[Dan Robinson]

Hi Damien, good to have you on the forum. All of us started out at one time or another and I don't think there is one of us that is not still learning new things about weather. The internet is a great way to get familiar with all of the 'basics' and the more advanced information. StormTrack's forum archives are a great resource that you could spend many evenings reading. Books like Tim Vasquez's 'storm chasing handbook' are another good resource.

Weather is a very broad subject and there are many phenomena that you could study about. There are a lot of resources, both in print and online, that get into the specifics on any area that interests you. We all are 'amateurs' in the sense that we all had to start somewhere!

 

[ddowney]

Yeah I didn't realize how much information or links I could find on this forum and I only searched a few pages . Like your site! Its got some good info for me. I guess this is where I'll start and work my way from here, Ive only bought one book so far but looking into buying more later when people here or else where recommend books like you did above. i currently own a book I'm thinking is quite basic "A guide to Weather" So if I feel I have something important to share like tomorrow or a question , do you think I should go ahead and share it even though it may be something to simple?

 

[B Ozanne]

While the internet is great I highly recommend a text book that will teach you about the weather in a logical order.

I highly recommend "Meteorology" by Danielson, Levin, and Abrams.

It covers so many great topics and you don't need to have any weather background to start reading. This book was part of my weather 101 course, but I constantly found myself referring to it through my academic career.

Its also good because its very descriptive. No serious math, just useful information.

 

[B Ozanne]

Also, stay away from Field Guides to weather. You can buy one, but it isn't going to teach you meteorology.

Tim Vasquez's books are awesome and they need to be in your library, but consider building a foundation before you get into those.

If your looking for more book choices just find out what's on the curriculum for the general Meteorology 101 course at various colleges. Then search around the internet, you can find text books for pennies on the dollar.

 

[ddowney]

Awesome Bill Ozanne I just ordered one from amazon for 4.83$ used college book. Ill let you know what I think about it in time .


Peace

Damien