2024

Habitat Microclimatology

Name: Habitat Microclimatology
Code: GEO02387L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area: Geosciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

Basic knowledge of Microclimatology and its application to either natural environments (bare surfaces, vegetated surfaces, several interfaces and heterogeneities, animals and humans,?) or environments modified by human activities (buildings and urban landscapes, greenhouses and shelters, fires, air pollution,?) These objectives will provide the student with skills for planning.

Contents

1.Micrometeorology and Microclimatology. Boundary layer. 2.The climate system. components, properties and processes. 3.The Energy in the climate System. Solar, and terrestrial radiation; Radiation and energy balances. 4.The water in the climate system. The hydrologic cycle. Water balance in the field. 5.Physical Principles of Microclimatology. Basic thermodynamic relations; Atmospheric stability. 6.Transport of momentum, energy and mass in the boundary layer. The active surface. Wind, air temperature and humidity. 7.Soil Temperature and soil moisture. 8.Natural atmospheric environments. Bare surfaces (bare soil, water, snow). Agricultural and forestry areas. Non-uniform terrain (effects of spatial inhomogeneity and topography). Homoeothermic animals. 9.The climate of modified environments. Buildings and urban landscapes. Greenhouses and shelter effects. Fires. Air pollution. Acid precipitation. 10.Planning in the scope of climate change. 11. Microclimatological instrumentation.

Teaching Methods

Classes are theoretical and practical. Different themes are exposed and then, it follows a practical application of concepts mentioned, always seeking the active participation of the pupils in solving the problems posed. Students will be invited to carry out a practical work on a specific topic proposed by the teaching or accepted by the suggestion of students. For the individual success of each student it will be suggest an adequate bibliography, namely that it is available in the library of the University or with easy access via the Internet, and also other material considered essential including notes unpublished (yet). Evaluation is based on checking the acquisition of concepts and their application to concrete situations. Evaluation includes two written exercises/tests (T) during the semester or, alternatively, a final examination (E) at the end of the semester. Evaluation also includes a practical work (PW). T or E represents 75% of Final Score while PW represents 25%.

Teaching Staff

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