METEOROLOGY

The course is positioned among the core subjects in educational paths that involve acquiring fundamental knowledge in the fields of Earth and environmental sciences. It provides students with the preliminary skills for analyzing atmospheric and climatic phenomena and introduces the main observational and interpretative approaches in meteorology and climatology. Through the study of the atmosphere and its interactions with the ocean, the course helps develop the ability to understand the key mechanisms that govern climate variability, in line with the overall educational objectives of the study program.

1. Knowledge and Understanding
• Knowledge of the main atmospheric phenomena and the underlying physical processes.
• Understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the atmosphere and the ocean.
• Familiarity with basic concepts of climatology and climate variability over different time scales.

2. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding
• Ability to recognize atmospheric phenomena through observations and data.
• Skills in interpreting meteorological and climatic measurements, including through computer tools.

3. Autonomy of Judgment
• Ability to formulate hypotheses on the evolution of atmospheric and climatic phenomena based on available data.
• Aptitude for critically evaluating meteorological information in applied and forecasting contexts.

4. Communication Skills
• Ability to clearly present concepts related to meteorology and climatology using appropriate terminology.
• Constructive interaction in seminar or laboratory settings.

5. Learning Skills
• Ability to use scientific sources and teaching materials to independently deepen knowledge of the course topics.
• Autonomy in studying and interpreting real cases through observational data.

Basic knowledge of general physics and mathematics, in particular: concepts of energy, temperature, pressure, elementary differential calculus, and basic notions of statistics. Familiarity with reading scientific texts in English is also desirable.

Earth's energy balance: temperature and insolation
Atmospheric pressure and wind systems
Air humidity, condensation, and precipitation
Evolution of the Earth's atmosphere
Equations of motion
Local and general circulation patterns
Air masses, fronts, and associated dynamics
Ocean-atmosphere interaction and coupled phenomena
Climate classifications
Elements of climate variability (including ENSO and teleconnections)
Analysis of meteorological and climatological data

LMandatory:
• C. Donald Ahrens, Meteorology Today, Brooks/Cole, 1999, 528 pp.
• Slides and lecture notes provided by the instructor during the course.
Supplementary:
• Articles and in-depth materials provided in class and on Moodle.
• Climate and meteorological data sources from international organizations (e.g., NOAA, ECMWF, Copernicus).

Learning will be assessed through an individual oral exam aimed at verifying the understanding of the main concepts covered in the course. The exam, which will last approximately half an hour, will begin with a question chosen by the student, intended to evaluate the knowledge acquired on a familiar topic, and will then proceed to cover other fundamental areas. The assessment will focus on:
• mastery of theoretical concepts,
• the ability to connect different phenomena,
• skill in using scientific terminology,
• autonomy of judgment in interpreting the observed phenomena.

oral

28-30 e lode: Demonstrates a comprehensive and well-structured knowledge of atmospheric and climatic phenomena, with mastery of both theoretical and observational aspects. Excellent reasoning, critical ability in interpreting the mechanisms of climate variability and integrating atmosphere-ocean interactions. Technical terminology is used accurately and consciously.

26-27: Good understanding of the theoretical and practical contents of the course. Clearly explains the main atmospheric and climatic processes and their interactions, showing a fair ability to interpret data and climate dynamics. Generally correct use of scientific terminology.

24-25: General understanding of the main concepts, but not always in depth. The explanation is understandable but shows uncertainties in the analysis of atmospheric phenomena or in the use of interpretative tools. Technical terminology is used only partially correctly.

22-23: Partial or superficial knowledge of fundamental content. Difficulty in framing atmospheric phenomena within an integrated climatic context. Presentation is not fluent and shows clear gaps in understanding atmosphere-ocean relationships.

18-21: Fragmented and disconnected knowledge; does not master interpretative approaches nor the basic concepts of meteorology and climatology. Presentation is confused and inadequate, with incorrect or absent use of technical-scientific terminology.

The course includes lectures supported by multimedia materials. It involves the discussion of case studies, guided analysis of observational data, and possibly the organization of thematic seminars and educational visits to meteorological and climatological research facilities. Teaching materials and additional resources will also be available on the Moodle platform.

The lecturer is available to students not only during scheduled appointments but also before and after the lessons (subject to other teaching commitments) for explanations, discussions, critical feedback, and suggestions.
The oral exam is designed to assess not only factual knowledge but also the ability to integrate concepts and develop independent reasoning. The observational and phenomenological approach will be emphasized, in line with the applied nature of the course.
NOTE ON ACCESSIBILITY, DISABILITY, AND INCLUSION:
Regarding accommodations and support services for students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties: Ca' Foscari University adheres to Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) concerning support services and accommodations for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities. In the case of physical, visual, hearing impairments, or other disabilities (Law 17/1999), or specific learning difficulties (Law 170/2010), and if support is needed (such as classroom assistance, technological aids for exams or individualized exams, accessible materials, note-taking assistance, specialized tutoring for study support, interpreters, etc.), please contact the Disability and SLD Office at disabilita@unive.it.