Be able to locate the different climates on the surface of the globe and explain the determining factors for each. Be able to draw and comment on pressure and temperature fields at the surface of the globe and at altitude and explain meteorological phenomena. Be able to draw and comment on the general atmospheric circulation and the major air currents. Be able to establish the radiation balance of the atmosphere and place it in the context of global warming.
To give students a good understanding of the basic mechanisms of meteorology. To understand global atmospheric circulation and the major climate zones. Emphasis is placed on climate change and the amplification of the greenhouse effect is shown in detail. Future climate trajectories are also explained.
Meteorology and weather. Climatology and climate. Global climate system. Heat and the 3 states of matter. 1st principle of thermodynamics. Graphical representation of the states of a system. Law of perfect gases. Laws of electromagnetic radiation. Modes of heat transfer. Solar, terrestrial and atmospheric radiation. Average radiation balance. Composition and characteristics of the atmosphere. Equation of state. Fundamental principle of aerostatics. Laplace's model. Subdivisions of the atmosphere. Standard atmosphere. Water in the atmosphere. Latent heat. iso-rs. Absolute and relative humidity. Evaporation. Psychrometer. Isobaric transformations. Adiabatic transformations: dry air; unsaturated humid air; saturated air. Saturation and condensation. Cloud formation. Stability and instability on the emagram. The different types of layers. Clouds. Coriolis acceleration. Winds: geostrophic, gradient, friction layer, thermal. Air currents. General atmospheric circulation. Local effects. Köppen climate classifications. Polar, sub-polar, temperate, Mediterranean, inter-tropical climates. Climate change, greenhouse effect.