OVERVIEW

The teaching unit will provide students with knowledge about the characterization of the weather-sea climate, and in particular physics of the atmosphere and wave dynamics (with hints on tidal regimes and possibly large-scale circulation as well).

AIMS AND CONTENT

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

Upon completion of the teaching unit, the student will be able to:

1. identify the basic concepts of atmospheric physics (global circulation and local wind circulations, mid-latitude and tropical circulations, fronts, mid-latitude cyclones, tropical revolving systems), and the fundamental concepts of ocean waves motion (with hints on tidal regimes and large-scale coastal circulations). 

2. Analyze and comment different types of meteorological and oceanographic charts, and forecast met-ocean systems evolution for given initial conditions. 

PREREQUISITES

None.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be given in class through the use of slides and practical applications on the board. Practical classes about the analysis of met-ocean forecast maps will be carried out as well. 

Working students and students with certified SLD, disability or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact Professors at the beginning of the unit, to agree on teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, will take into account individual learning patterns.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- Earth's atmosphere

- Humidity in the atmosphere, stability/instability and cloud development

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

- Development of mid-latitude cyclones and weather forecasts

- Atmospheric numerical models

- Tropical revolving storms

- Wave generation 

- Fundamental characteristics of sea waves

- Characterization of sgea states (zero-crossing methods and spectral analysis) 

- Waves observation and sampling

- Wave propagation and bathymetry effects

- Spectral wave models 

- Extreme Value Analysis

- Tidal theory

- Harmonic analysis of tidal components

- Ocean currents and large-scale circulation mechanisms

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

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

Bosboon J. and Stive M. J. F,  2022, Coastal Dynamics, Delft University of Technology

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FRANCESCO FERRARI (President)

GIOVANNI BESIO (President Substitute)

FRANCESCO DE LEO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10948/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

OCEAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will be carried out through a written test with multiple-choice questions, to be taken in person. Passing the written test will grant access to the interview. The overall evaluation will take into account both tests.  

In the case of proven inability to attend all scheduled exams, a different examination mode can be arranged.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test will allow Professors to assess learning and understanding of the fundamental concepts introduced during the teaching unit (learning outcome no. 1).  

During the interview, Students will be required to analyze and discuss graphs and/or maps of weather-sea variables and their applications (learning outcome no. 2).

Exam schedule