LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to introduce the fundamentals of atmosphere and ocean dynamics that characterize meteocean conditions and climate from synoptic scale to the regional scales. Knowledge will be provided about synoptic charts and weather forecasting, ocean current systems and tides, wave storms and their generations, availability of data.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will acquire basic knowledge about the atmosphere and its evolution (global and local wind circulation, mid-latitude and tropical circulations, fronts, mid-latitude cyclones, tropical revolving systems) and the ability to interpret different types of meteorological and oceanographic maps. The student will also acquire the basic concepts behind the weather-sea forecasts and numerical models used to simulate the evolution of the atmosphere and the ocean (waves and currents).

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

The lessons will take place in a frontal manner and there will be some exercises in order to become familiar with the management of weather and sea forecast information for the purpose of navigation.

Working students and students with certified SLD (Specific Learning Disorders), disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination arrangements so to take into account individual learning patterns, while respecting the teaching objectives

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The Earth's atmosphere

Humidity in atmosphere, stability/instability and cloud development

Atmospheric pressure and winds: global and local wind circulation, cyclonic and anticyclonic circulation and local systems, air masses and fronts

Development of mid-latitude cyclones and weather forecasts

Tropical revolving storms

Basic characteristics of ocean waves

The process of ocean wave generation and propagation

Short and long term statistical analysis of ocean waves

Ocean currents

Tides and sea level variations

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ahrens C.D., 2009, Meteorology today, Thomson

Cornice M. and Ives E., 2009, Reeds maritime meteorology, Thomas Reed

Frampton L.M. and Uttridge P.A., 2017, Meteorology for seafares

Goda Y., 2010, Random seas and design of maritime structures, World Scientific

Kamphuis J.W., 2010, Introduction to coastal engineering and management, World Scientific

Kinsman B., 1965, Wind waves – Their generation and propagation on the ocean surface, Dover Pub.

Young I.R., 1999, Wind generated ocean waves, Elsevier