Class Meteorology and Climatology

The students should be able to: identify the main climatic elements, their functioning and measurement instruments; characterize climate variability in Portugal; interpret meteorological charts for weather forecast and for activation the alert levels in Civil Protection; use available statistical sources for the knowledge of climate and interpret weather information of interest to the climatic classification.

Not applicable

Weather and Climate. Definitions. Meteorological and climate information. Atmosphere. Solar radiation and global energy balance. Air temperature. Humidity, clouds, and precipitation. Atmospheric pressure. Wind. Atmospheric circulation, synoptic situations, weather conditions. Climatic parameters and climate classification: Köppen and Strahler classifications. Climate characterization of Portugal. Phenomena and extreme weather conditions; risks and vulnerabilities; civil protection and alert levels.

The teaching methodology uses the expository method, using documents on illustrative slides (provided to students), as a way of presenting the subjects and solving practical exercises on climate characterization, analysis and meteorological forecasting.   Assessment: Continuous assessment, consisting of 2 theoretical tests, each corresponding to 40 % of the final grade, and a practical assignment, with an oral presentation, corresponding to 20 % of the final grade. The practical work requires the application of the syllabus learned and must be developed throughout the semester. All elements of the continuous assessment are mandatory and students must have a minimum grade of 7 points in each component. Attendance at classes is mandatory to be successful in this modality.

- Ahrens, C. Donald (2009). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. 9th Ed. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, USA. - Ahrens, C. Donald; Samson, Perry (2011). Extreme Weather and Climate. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. USA. - Barry, Roger Graham; Chorley, Richard J. (2009). Atmosphere, Weather and Climate. 1st Ed. Routledge. London.   - Daveau, S. (1995). Portugal Geográfico. Lisboa. João Sá da Costa.  - Garcia, Filipe Fernández (1996). Manual de Climatología Aplicada, Clima, Medio Ambiente y Planificacíon. Editorial Sintesis. - Instituto de Meteorologia (2011). Atlas Climático Ibérico 1971-2000.