Climatology
| Course: | GEO 3250 Climatology |
| Credits: | 3 |
| GenEd: | Physical Sciences (P) |
| Instructor: |
Department of Geography
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences |
Climatology can be defined as the study of long-term trends in the weather, but this course emphasizes a more in depth examination of the discipline.
It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of meteorological concepts such as the difference between high and low pressure systems and the types of weather associated with each. Building upon this foundation, you will work individually and in groups to learn about the spatial and temporal characteristics of the climate system, how we measure and evaluate data, movement of energy, and how to diagram and explain these processes with proper terminology. Your goal is to develop an awareness of your physical environment as it relates to climatology so that you can evaluate statements made about the climate system (past, current, and future) rather than taking some else’s word about it!
Course Topics:
- Introduction to the Climate System
- Radiation and Atmospheric Structure
- Energy
- Controls on the Climate System
- Diurnal Cycle, Moisture, Stability
- Precipitation and Water Balance
- Primary and Secondary Circulation
- Climate Classification
- Climate Change and Variability
- Anthropogenic Climate Change
- Interactions with Other Spheres
- Extratropical Climates
- Tropical Climates
Prerequisites: The course has prerequisites of GEO2242 or GEO2200 or other introductory course in weather and climate. Instructor permission is possible if interested students can demonstrate suffient background (e.g. weather is a hobby; courses in Earth Science or Physics).
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