Course Description
Climatology from local to global scales. Topics include radiation/heat exchanges, the hydrologic cycle, global climate patterns, climate change, measurement and data sources, relationships of climate with ecosystem processes, and human activities, and climate forecasting.
Athena Title
Climatology
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Learning objectives for this course include: An understanding of the components that comprise the climate system, including the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere, the land surface and the biosphere, and how they interact to influence climate. An understanding of the physical forces that govern atmospheric pressure and motion. An understanding of mechanisms that drive water and energy cycles in the earth-atmosphere system. An understanding of weather systems, including mid-latitude cyclones and hurricanes. An ability to recognize the interactions between human activities, modification of the earth-atmosphere system, and changes to climate. A greater appreciation of the importance of science in our everyday lives and its role in influencing policy decision making. This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through writing. This is met by a series of writing assignments associated with supplemental reading and data analysis. Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty electronic interaction, and data analysis activities and assignments. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and is developed through homework assignments, lecture, classroom discussion, and inquiry- based learning efforts.
Topical Outline
Introduction Earth’s Radiation Budget Energy and Temperature Hydrologic Cycle Atmospheric Motion Mid-latitude Weather and Climate Tropical Weather and Climate Regional Climates Local Climates Human Interaction with Climate Climate Change Climate Modeling
Syllabus