MAQ-21806 Meteorology and Climate

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

Introduction Atmosphere, Mathematics T, Basic Physics

Contents:

- provide basic understanding of the meteorological processes for students in soil science, hydrology, environmental sciences, earth system science and for students specializing in meteorology and air quality;
- understanding physical processes in the atmosphere that determine weather, climate and air quality;
- advanced theory of part of the material treated in first-year course MAQ-10306;
- introduction for advanced courses of Meteorology and Air Quality department.
By performing the exercises, students are able to become acquainted with the order of magnitude of the various meteorological quantities. The theory is still only given as a broad outline. Detailed theoretical knowledge and strict mathematical derivations are reserved for more advanced courses.

Aims:

- understanding basics of atmospheric radiation;
- knowledge of important concepts relation to the atmosphere;
- application and physical meaning of various atmospheric humidity quantities;
- stability and application of simple thermodynamic diagrams;
- knowledge of the dynamics of the atmosphere, use of simple formulas (mostly descriptive);
- insight in atmospheric predictability and uncertainty;
- understanding the formation of clouds and precipitation: showers, thunderstorms and tornado's;
- understanding meteorology of the atmospheric boundary layer (descriptive);
- insight in the basics of climate and climate change.

Activities:

- active participation in lecturers;
- performing all exercises;
- exercises laboratory (compulsory).

Examination:

Written exam and submitted exercises.

Literature:

R. Stull: Meteorology for Scientists and Engineers (2000, 2nd edition, 502 pp)