CLIMATOLOGY

This course serves as an introductory module in meteorology and climate science. It provides students with a foundational understanding of the physical processes that govern the atmosphere and the ocean, as well as their interactions and variability. A particular focus is placed on climate variability, from seasonal to interdecadal scales, and its implications for the climate system.
The course aims to equip students with theoretical and observational tools to interpret how the climate system works, how it has changed in the past, and what factors may drive its evolution in the future. It contributes to the general training in environmental physics and Earth system science within the degree programme.

1. Knowledge and Understanding
• Understanding of atmospheric and oceanic processes and their spatial and temporal variability.
• Knowledge of fundamental meteorological and climatological principles, including radiative balance, fluid motion, and coupled systems.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
• Ability to identify and analyze atmospheric and oceanic phenomena based on observational or simulated data.
• Application of physical principles to real-world meteorological and climate situations.
3. Making Judgements
• Capacity to develop hypotheses on the evolution of atmospheric and oceanic systems and to critically interpret their variability.
• Use of physical reasoning to assess past and future changes in climate.
4. Communication Skills
• Clear communication of scientific concepts related to meteorology and climatology using appropriate terminology.
• Effective participation in group discussions and seminar activities.
5. Learning Skills
• Autonomy in deepening knowledge through literature, data sources, and scientific resources.
• Development of analytical thinking and cross-disciplinary insight.

Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics, including energy, radiation, fluid dynamics, and elementary calculus. A general scientific background is expected.

I. Introduction to meteorology and climate science
II. The Earth in the solar system
III. Composition and physical characteristics of the atmosphere and ocean
IV. Convection in the atmosphere and ocean
V. Radiation, temperature, salinity, and stability
VI. Humidity and cloud formation
VII. Laws of motion in geophysical fluids
VIII. Local circulation systems in the atmosphere and ocean
IX. General circulation of the atmosphere and ocean
X. Air–sea interactions
XI. The climate system
XII. Climate stability and climate change

• Reference Text: C. Donald Ahrens, Meteorology Today, Brooks/Cole, 1999, 528 pages
• Lecture notes and slides provided by the instructor

The final assessment will consist of an oral examination, designed to evaluate the student’s comprehension of the course’s main topics.
The exam will begin with a topic chosen by the student, serving as an entry point to the discussion and an opportunity to present in depth a familiar subject. It will then proceed to cover the broader scope of the course.
Particular attention will be paid to the student’s ability to process and apply acquired information independently.

oral

Grade Range Criteria
28–30 e lode Excellent command of the topics, logical structure in presentation, and precise use of scientific terminology
26–27 Good knowledge of lecture content and some understanding of reference texts; clear and organized oral presentation
24–25 Fair understanding of content, generally clear presentation, some inaccuracies in terminology
22–23 Superficial knowledge; unclear or disorganized oral presentation, limited technical language
18–21 Fragmented or incomplete understanding; confused exposition and weak use of terminology

Lectures supported by slides and visual material.
Supplementary activities may include seminars, interactive discussions, computer-based data analysis, and guided visits to research institutions or operational meteorological centers.

The oral exam is structured to assess both factual knowledge and the student’s ability to integrate and elaborate on the subject matter.
The exam begins with a free-choice question, allowing students to demonstrate confidence and depth in a chosen topic, followed by a broader assessment of the course material.