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 forecasts and activation of 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 pedagogical model emphasizes practical learning, independent study, and active information seeking, promoting essential skills for future courses and professional practice. Classes combine theoretical lectures with audiovisual demonstrations and examples, followed by practical sessions on meteorological and climatic events using SNAP software and real public data. The recommended bibliography ensures access to relevant study sources. Tutorial sessions provide personalized support tailored to individual student needs. Continuous assessment, including two written tests and individual assignments, encourages progressive and sustained learning.

Ahrens, C. Donald (2009). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment . 9th Edition. Brooks/ Cole, Cengage Learning, USA, 621p. Ahrens, C. Donald, Samson, Perry (2011). . Brooks/ Extreme Weather and Climate Cole, Cengage Learning, USA, ISBN-13: 978-0-495-11857-2. Barry, Roger G.; Chorley, Richard J. (1995). Atmosphere, Weather and Climate. London: Routledge. Daveau, S. (1995). Portugal Geográfico . Lisboa: João Sá da Costa, 223 p. Garcia, Filipe F. (1996). Manual de climatología aplicada: clima, medio ambiente y planificacíon . Editorial Sintesis, 285p. Instituto de Meteorologia (2011). Atlas Climático Ibérico 1971-2000. ISBN: 978-84-7837-079-5. Miranda, Pedro M. A. (2009). Meteorologia e Ambiente: Fundamentos de meteorologia, clima e ambiente atmosférico (2ªEdição). Editor: Universidade Aberta. Ribeiro, O., Lautensach, H. & Daveau, S. (1988). Geografia de Portugal - O Ritmo Climático e a Paisagem, Vol. II, Lisboa: Edições João Sá da Costa.