Meteorology and Climatology

Objectives

1. Understand the astronomical constraints that determine Earth's climate.
2. Identify the main interaction processes between radiation and the atmosphere.
3. Understand the occurrence and importance of water in the atmosphere.
4. Understand the relationships between wind and sea state.
5. Know the techniques, routines, standards of meteorological observation and the main instruments used in weather forecasting.
6. Apply statistical techniques in the treatment of meteorological parameters. Interpretation of results.
7. Understand the importance of the oceans in shaping climates.
8. Identify the mechanisms associated with global warming and apply them to real actions to mitigate current climate challenges.
9. Analyze and critically interpret the concepts studied.

Program

1. Introduction.
2. Astronomical conditions of the Earth's climate.
3. Atmosphere.
4. Wind. Radiation. Clouds and precipitation.
5. Organization of Atmospheric Weather.
6. Local and regional circulations.
7. Weather forecasting and monitoring.
8. Climate. Climate Variability. Extreme weather phenomena.

Teaching Methodologies

Theoretical Classes: Use of Interactive Visualizations_ graphs, weather maps, and visual simulations that allow students to interact with climate data in real time. Case-based lessons_present cases related to climate/meteorology (e.g., El Niño or a tropical storm) and then guide the class in analyzing and solving related problems. Expository classes_transmission of theoretical content. Theoretical-Practical Classes: Data-Based Teaching_provide sets of real data (series of meteorological data) and carry out analyzes and interpretations together with students, or in group work, using tools such as Excel or statistical analysis software. Classes will include seminars. Some classes will be dedicated to solving numerical applications. Tutorial Classes: Monitoring and guidance of students.

Assessment: Group Work and Exam_ Final grade = Exam x 70% + ((Work 1+Work 2)/2) x 30%.

Bibliography

• AHRENS, D. (1994) – "Meteorology Today. An Introdution to Weather, climate and the environment" – West Publishing Company, 5ed., 592pp.
• HIDORE, J. J.; OLIVER J. E. (1993) – "Climatology – An Atmospheric Science" Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 423pp.
• WALLACE, J.M. & HOBBS, P.V. (1977) – "Atmospheric Science. An Introductory Survey" – Academic Press.
• BARRY, R. G. (1992) – "Mountain Weather and Climate" – Routledge, London.
• PEIXOTO, J.P.; & A. OORT (1992) – "Physics of Climate" – American Institute of Physics.