Helpful Hints for Writing Case Studies

Introduction ● Should contain a “ hook ” (something that grabs the reader's attention and compels him/her to keep reading) – usually this takes the form of stating why the case was remarkable – Don't go overboard, or exaggerate! ● Should move from the hook toward a hypothesis ● Give a brief outline of the structure of the paper to follow

Data ● Should include a list of ALL the data sources used (i.e. surface/upperair obs, model output, RADAR and satellite obs, etc.) ● Be as specific as possible (i.e. include date and time of information when necessary)

Synoptic Overview ● Touch on the main features with an eye toward the mesoscale analysis (just like you do in weather discussion) ● Doesn't have to be limited to a single analysis time – For example, in this lake effect case, the synoptic pattern was noteworthy and important for an entire week ● Should be logically organized (e.g. start with the longwave pattern, then shortwaves (if important), then surface features...)

Mesoscale Analysis ● Should quickly zero in on the processes / mechanisms contributing to the event ● Should smoothly transition from the synoptic overview and be logically organized ● Your main assertions should be supported with figures (or carefully reasoned from previously supported assertions)

Conclusion ● Should tie everything in the previous four sections together, reminding the reader why the study is important and summing up the evidence that supports the hypothesis.

Figures ● Be sure that figures have properly labeled contours with clearly indicated units ● Figures must be numbered and captioned – Be sure that the figures are numbered in the order that you refer to them in the text ● NEVER include a figure that you don't refer to in the text!!

Figures ● Think carefully about the “ required ” figures – they are required for a reason and you should refer to them in the text ● For example, you could use your cross-sections to discuss boundary layer depth growth and the structure of the lake effect snow band

Figures ● One strategy is to create far more figures than you'll need and use them in writing your rough draft ● Once you are confident you have things the way you want them, make a final version of the figures you decide to use ● If you do this, you can be sure that your figures are in proper order and that every figure you use is essential

General Tips on Writing ● Avoid a loose, informal style (stay away from casual figures of speech) – but don't write too tersely, either (stick to all simple sentences) ● Keep it in the 3 rd person (no “ I, ” “ we ” or “ you) ● PROOFREAD!!

Last tips ● If you make use of outside material (storm summaries, figures, etc.) be sure to cite the source in the text and provide detailed information in a REFERENCES section at the end of your paper ● Find AMS formatting help at (copy the link to your browser): and-bams-authors/journal-and-bams-authors-guide/formatting/