AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This teaching unit aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of atmospheric circulation that govern weather and climate on Earth. Students will gain the analytical tools necessary to understand the mathematical formulations and parameterizations employed in numerical weather and climate prediction models, and to evaluate the sources of uncertainty inherent in forecasting atmospheric conditions. The teaching unit will also address the impacts of climate change on environmental risk, with particular emphasis on changes in the intensity and frequency of extreme events such as floods, droughts, windstorms, and heatwaves.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module describes the basics of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, and the key processes that affect weather and climate on the Earth, with focus on mid-latitudes. Additionally, numerical weather prediction will be introduced and its application to meteorological forecast and climate prediction will be discussed.

During classes, students will learn to use the simplified equations of atmospheric circulation and calculate atmospheric stability trough some tutorials developed in MATLAB (or Python). Students will learn how to analyse climate projections and their uncertainties, with focus on high-impact extreme events.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 40 hours of lessons. Students will be asked to develop some tutorials during lectures under the teacher's supervision. Few simple assignments will be given to students to encourage self-study and self-regulation skills.

Working students and students with SLD, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, in compliance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning modalities

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Structure of the atmosphere. Energy balance of the Earth. Dynamics of the atmosphere. Atmospheric circulation patterns. Extratropical cyclones. Role of water in the atmosphere. Stability of atmospheric layers. Numerical weather prediction models. Climate modelling and prediction.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stull R. (2017). Practical Meteorology. https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/books/Practical_Meteorology/

Lecture notes

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral session where it is strongly suggested to present a free topic out of the overall program. Additional questions concerning the whole set of topics presented during the course will complete the evaluation of the student.

Students with learning disorders ("disturbi specifici di apprendimento", DSA) will be allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will allow to evaluate the acquisition of the basic knowledge of the topics covered during the course and the correct learning of the technical terminology.