Learn the Science that underpins an understanding of climate.
Climate has always been erratic but modern science has allowed us to be able to understand the various factors that influence the weather. In doing so, we can live our lives in a way that works with climate in a more intelligent way.
COURSE CONTENTS
Lesson 1. Nature & Scope of Climatology
Introduction to climatology & meteorology
Understanding how climate and weather affects us
What makes up our weather?
How do we measure weather?
Lesson 2. Weather Science Foundations
Solar Radiation
Temperature
Precipitation
Deposition
Humidity
Clouds
Lesson 3. Circulation Patterns
Pressure Systems
Atmospheric Pressure
Pressure and Temperature
Latitudinal Circulation
Air masses
Wind
Trade Wind
The Beaufort Scale of Wind Speed
Frontal Systems
Oceanic circulation
Longitudinal Circulation
Southern Oscillation
Ocean Gyres
Lesson 4. Climate Classifications & Patterns
Types of Climates
Arid/Desert
Subtropical
Tropical
Temperate
Mediterranean
Coastal
Factors Which Influence Climate
Latitude
Wind Direction
Topography
Altitude
Aspect
Geographical Location
Climates Classification Models
Koppen Climate Classification
Thornwaite Climatic Classification System
Bergeron Climatic Classification System
Spatial Synoptic Classification (SSC)
Other Global Classification Systems
Holdridge Life Zone System
Lesson 5. Atmospheric Dynamics
Introduction to Atmosphere Composition
Purpose of the Atmosphere
Seasonal Variations
Vertical Structure of Atmosphere
Precipitation
Precipitation Processes and Other Events
Cloud Dynamics
Storms
Thunderstorms
Cyclones, Typhoons and Hurricanes
Tornadoes
METAR Codes for Precipitation Processes
Aerosols and Climate Processes
Indirect Effects of Aerosols
Lesson 6. Climate Changes
Factors that Cause or Influence Climate Change
Natural Causes
The Sun
Earth's Orbit
Earth's Axis
Oceanic Circulation
Oceanic Carbon Dioxide
Magnetic Field
Plate Tectonics
Volcanic Activities
Asteroids, Comets or Meteorite Impact
Manmade Causes or Anthropogenic Influences
Fossil Fuels
Agriculture
Deforestation
Nitrous Oxide
Other Pollution
Different Types of Climate Change Events
Glaciation and Ice Loss
Flora and Fauna
Ocean Warming and Sea Levels
Permafrost
Extreme Weather Events
Ozone Depletion
Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect
Lesson 7. Applications of Climate Science
Evolution of Methods and Techniques of Weather Forecasting
Early Methods & Simple Techniques
Modern Forecasting Approaches
Synoptic (Traditional) Forecasting
Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP)
Statistical Methods
Long and Short Range Forecasting
Understanding Forecasting Models
Simple Models
Tropical Cyclone Forecast Model
General Circulation Model (GCM)
Regional Climate Modelling
Collection and Applications of Weather & Climate Data
Weather Mapping
Satellite
Radar
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)
Verification Methods
Methods of Standard Verification
Lesson 8. Climatology Problem Based Learning Project
Management Processes
Planning
Organising
Leading
Controlling
Business Plans - Preparing a Plan
Decision Making
What to Plan for
Risk
Risk Analysis
Ways to Manage Risk
Project Plan