Climatology

Code: GEO13354L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Geography

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Learning Goals

The aim of this course is for students to acquire basic knowledge in Climatology and Meteorology. As an introductory subject in Geography (Physical and Human), taught in the first semester of the BSc program, the aim is for students to develop key skills in understanding natural physical processes, which will be fundamental for other later courses, as well as equipping them with the technical and scientific aspects that may be needed in their professional life. In Climatology, students will develop knowledge, skills and competencies in order to a) understand the climate system and the main circulation patterns, b) understand the physical processes that make the climate system work, namely thermodynamic processes and energy and mass balances, c) understand and apply the main climate classification systems, d) interpret the influence of man on climate (climate variability vs. climate change) and e) understand the origin of climate data, know how to interpret and model it.

Climatology. Climate and weather. Scale of atmospheric phenomena.
Earth. Geometries. Earth's movements . Geographic coordinates. The time.
The Climate System. The Atmosphere.
Solar radiation, terrestrial and atmospheric. Radiation and energy balances.
Atmospheric Thermodynamics. Air temperature and humidity. Atmospheric stability. Condensation. Evaporation and evapotranspiration. Rainfall
Hydrological Cycle (components). Water mass balance, soil water and aquifer water balances
Dynamics of the Atmosphere. Atmospheric pressure. Wind. General Circulation of Atmosphere. Air Masses and Fronts.
Climate classifications (Köppen and Thornthwaite). Climate of Portugal
Climatic elements and factors. Climate variability and climate change.
Climate data. Observations and meteorological instruments. Climatological analysis.
Synoptic Meteorology: concept, systems of observation; weather charts.
Climatology Modeling: General concepts, control volumes, Global Circulation Models (GCMs)

Teaching Methods

Climatology is the fundamental basis for understanding the physical and thermodynamic processes of the atmosphere, a subject of major importance in the training of new geographers. Theoretical-practical classes will provide a detailed exposure to fundamental concepts, principles and theories of climatology and meteorology, followed by the resolution of illustrative practical problems to help students assimilate the theoretical concepts . The aim of this methodology is to encourage students to debate the concepts and methodologies associated with their practical application.
Practical work to be carried out alongside other forms of assessment (see next section) will enable students to consolidate research skills and acquire essential scientific and professional knowledge. Students should have timely access to the proposed bibliography. Distance work (in roughly the same amount of time as the contact hours) will be encouraged (individual study, preparation of assignments).

Assessment

Student assessment comprises the evaluation of two components, one theoretical-practical (T-P) and the other essentially practical (P). Students have the option of continuous assessment (CA) or final exam (FA) (normal assessment period). Under both evaluation options, the assessment of the former component takes place through written tests and that of P component through practical works (PW) performed throughout the semester. Under both options, performance in the T-P component contributes 75% of the final grade of the subject and that of the P with 25%. Final approval under CA option requires a performance ? 50% in both components and 8 marks in each test. In the AF option, the final grade will be: 75% ? FE ? 95% and 5% ? PW ? 25%, depending on the proportion of WPs evaluated. In examinations carried out in other periods (appeal, special, and extraordinary assessment exams), all syllabus content will be assessed in a single written exam and the grade obtained is the final grade.