Meteorology - Climatology

The Course is Compulsory, of Undergraduated level and it is offered at the third semester.

Objectives

At the end of the course the student will have further developed the following skills/competences: 1. a better understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of weather and climate 2. ability to understand and critically examine basic atmospheric phenomena 3. ability to apply the acquired knowledge in interdisciplinary topics/problems (e.g. renewable energy and/or air pollution) 4. the scientific background that allow him to further deal with the fields of Meteorology, Climatology and Atmospheric Physics

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisite courses. It is, however, recommended that students should have basic knowledge of Mathematics (Differential Equations and integration) and Physics (Newtonian mechanics, kinematic equations, electromagnetism, optics) and especially of thermodynamics.

Syllabus

Course's contents: • Introduction (the objective of Meteorology and Climatology) • The Earth’s atmosphere (composition and structure) • Radiation (radiation laws, solar radiation, long-wave radiation) and energy budget of the planet • Air, ground and sea surface temperature • Atmospheric pressure and winds • Atmospheric moisture (evaporation, air humidity, dew, fog, clouds, precipitation) • Atmospheric thermodynamics and vertical stability • Atmospheric systems (air masses, fronts, high (anticyclones) and low (depressions) pressure systems • Circulation of the atmosphere (general and local) • Factors that determine, control and drive the climate, climate zones and indices • Climate classification (Koppen) • Climate variability (North Atlantic Oscillation and El Nino Southern Oscillation).