| CODE | PHY3240 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Fundamentals of Meteorology for Climate Studies | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geosciences | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit sets the groundwork needed to orientate students to a scientific approach in meteorology, that is an essential and necessary tool for students who aim at taking up climate studies. This is not a basic, introductory study-unit to meteorology but is specifically designed to delve into the physics, dynamics and weather systems of the atmosphere in detail, over which climate studies are based. Students from non-Physics background can take this study-unit in preparation of a post-graduate degree in climate research with an application in mathematics/statistics/chemistry. Meteorology is a topic that easily generates interest in and appreciation of physical processes occurring in nature. This study-unit emphasizes the explanation of atmospheric phenomena by analysing downloadable data gathered by cutting edge scientific measuring instruments such as radar and satellites around the world. The use of visually compelling, latest, meteorological models (installed on ALBERT, the UoM computer cluster) assist students to learn difficult concepts through hands-on activities based on guided simulations of meteorological phenomena. Study-unit Aims: This study-unit aims at helping students develop a stronger scientific way of thinking to explore, understand and communicate how the atmosphere behaves. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1) Describe the general structure and chemical content of the Earth's atmosphere in a case study; 2) Describe the forces that influence the movement of air parcels including general circulation patterns [eg. Hadley cells, jet streams] and oscillation patterns [eg. North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)] when conducting a research-based task; 3) Describe the radiative processes, thermal budget and mixing processes that take place in the atmosphere and the oceans; 4) Explain how ocean currents [eg. thermohaline circulation] give rise to atmosphere-ocean interactions using appropriate diagrams; 5) Report the differences between the meteorological scales (planetary, synoptic, mesoscale, microscale) for different study conditions; 6) Identify and describe complex weather systems through available online data; 7) Explain and present work using a methodological approach whilst communicating scientific knowledge in a coherent way. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1) Analyze and interpret meteorological maps for a scientific report; 2) Apply and manipulate mathematical equations associated with atmospheric processes [eg. thermal, dynamic and thermodynamic processes] in a case study; 3) Given a research situation, compare and contrast the different measuring techniques for the acquisition of atmospheric data; 4) Identify and report meteorological phenomena from weather maps; 5) Analyze and apply thermodynamic principles to atmospheric properties and processes; 6) Demonstrate the applications of tephigrams in a case study; 7) Analyze the physics and processes associated with clouds and precipitation; 8) Apply knowledge acquired during this study-unit to compare and contrast weather systems at different scales (namely: thunderstorms, tornadoes, extratropical cyclones, anticyclones, air flow and fronts, and tropical cyclones) from available data. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: (availability at the Library or otherwise is indicated against each entry) Main Texts: - McIlveen, R. (2010). Fundamentals of Weather & Climate (2nd Edition). [Oxford University Press] - [A] - Ackerman, S. A. & Knox, J. A. (2007). Meteorology: Understanding the Atmosphere (Second Edition). [Thomson Brooks/Cole, a part of The Thomson Corporation] - [NA] Further Reading: - Andrews, D. G. (2000). An introduction to Atmospheric Physics. [Cambridge University Press] - [NA] - Holton, J. R. (2004). An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology (4th Edition) (International Geophysics). [Elsevier Inc.] - [NA] - Scorer, R. S. (1997). Dynamics of Meteorology and Climate. [John Wiley & Sons] - [A] - Stull, R. B. (2009). An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology. [Springer] - [A] - Stull, R. B. (2000). Meteorology Today for Scientists and Engineers: Technical Companion Book to C.Donald Aherns' "Meteorology Today". [Brooks/Cole CENGAGE Learning] - [NA] - Vallis, G. K. (2006). Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics - Fundamentals and Large-Scale Circulation. [Cambridge University Press] - [NA] |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Seminar and Project | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Noel Aquilina |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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