Watch The Science of Extreme Weather

The Science of Extreme Weather is an engaging and informative show from The Great Courses Signature Collection, starring renowned climatologist Eric Snodgrass. The show explores the fascinating science behind some of the world's most extreme weather phenomena, from hurricanes and tornadoes to droughts and heat waves.

Over the course of the show, Snodgrass takes viewers on an in-depth journey through the mechanisms that drive extreme weather events, starting with the basics of atmospheric science and meteorology. He explains the role of the sun's energy in driving weather patterns, the physics of atmospheric pressure, and the way in which air currents and storms form and move across the planet.

From there, the show dives into specific extreme weather phenomena, incorporating beautiful visuals, fascinating stories, and plenty of data and scientific analysis along the way. For example, viewers will learn about the anatomy of a hurricane, exploring the ways in which massive storms like Hurricane Katrina form, intensify, and wreak havoc on human communities. Snodgrass uses real-life examples to illustrate the science behind hurricanes, discussing the impact of factors like sea-surface temperature and atmospheric pressure on storm behavior.

The show also covers other types of extreme weather, such as tornadoes and lightning storms. Snodgrass explains how warm, moist air rising from the ground can create the conditions needed for a twister to form, while also discussing some of the key features that characterize these deadly storms. Meanwhile, the lightning storm segment delves into the electrical physics that underlie these incredible natural phenomena, as well as explaining the role that temperature, moisture, and other factors play in creating electrical charges in the atmosphere.

Alongside these more dramatic weather phenomena, the show also covers less visible forms of extreme weather, such as droughts and heat waves. Snodgrass discusses the differences between these weather patterns and others, discussing the way in which extreme heat and dryness can have profound effects on human lives and ecosystems alike. He also explores the connections between climate change and extreme weather, discussing the ways in which rising temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions can amplify weather patterns and make them more intense or frequent.

Throughout the show, Snodgrass emphasizes the importance of understanding extreme weather from a scientific perspective. By explaining the complex mechanisms that drive these phenomena, he helps viewers to appreciate the beauty and power of nature while also appreciating the tremendous risks that extreme weather events can pose. He also highlights the value of scientific research and data analysis in predicting and mitigating extreme weather.

Overall, The Science of Extreme Weather is an excellent educational show that combines stunning visuals, clear explanations, and fascinating real-life stories to create an immersive exploration of some of the world's most incredible natural phenomena. If you're interested in learning more about atmospheric science, meteorology, and the way in which physics and weather patterns interact, this show is definitely worth checking out.

The Science of Extreme Weather is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between November 1, 2016 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection