Duration
20h Th, 15h Pr, 2d FW
Number of credits
| Bachelor in geography : general | 4 crédits | |||
| Master in geography, global change, research focus | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The following topics are covered: analysis of tropospheric state variables and their vertical profiles, radiative phenomena, water phase changes, clouds and hydrometeors, local and general atmospheric circulation (wind components, tropical storms and cyclones, monsoons, trade winds, prevailing winds, regional winds, foehn effects. ...), synoptic weather types and their repercussions on the weather, climate anomalies and variability on large spatial scales (NAO, ENSO, AO, ...) and fine spatial scales (topoclimatology). The reading and analysis of maps and weather reports are taught from concrete cases chosen among past weather situations and even in real time on the WEB when the weather situation is particularly interesting. Finally, a work of data collection in the field during the course and analysis of real weather situations from these observation data is carried out in the framework of practical work.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand and analyze the state of the atmosphere
- Understand the high spatial and temporal variability of variables and components of the troposphere as well as the climatic phenomena associated with atmospheric circulation
- understand the impact of a series of meteorological phenomena (El Nino/La Nina, NAO, meteorological equator, jet streams, polar fronts, subsidence, advections, disturbed depressions, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, ...) on the "day-to-day weather", on the seasons and on the fluctuations of the zonal and regional climates at the Earth's surface.
- read and interpret aerological soundings and synoptic maps
- collect, analyze and critique data obtained in the field
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basics of physic and mathematic are essential.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The practical sessions are organized according to the progress of the lectures and alternate with them.
Part of the practical sessions takes place in the classroom, another part in the field (for data collection), and at home for data analysis.
An additional field day is scheduled to explore the world of meteorology.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
The course is delivered in person.
Practical sessions are organized according to the progress of the course. A laptop or tablet is required for both the practical sessions and the lectures.
Attendance at the practical sessions is mandatory.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Course notes are made available to students chapter by chapter before each class and at the rate of progress. The same is true for the notes of the practical work. In addition, the booklet "Climatology and meteorology: the basics" by S. Doutreloup (2016) distributed free of charge in PDF format is highly recommended for reading.
Consultation of the following books, available in the library, is suggested to complete the information in the course notes:
- Les climats ( A. Godard and M. Tabeaud, Colin, 1993)
- General Meteorology ( J.P. Triplet and G. Roche, 1980)
- Atmosphere, Weather and Climate ( R.G. Barry and R.J. Chorley, 1992)
- Introduction to climatology (A. Hufty, DeBoeck, 2001)
- Fundamentals of meteorology (S. Malardel, MétéoFrance, Ed.Cépaduès, 2005)
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
Other : Oral presentation of a group work or alone
Further information:
Additional explanations:
The theoretical and practical exam (theoretical questions + analysis of a weather situation), oral and closed-book, accounts for 70% of the total grade if the oral exam is passed (>5/10).
The (group) presentation of the data collected with sensors during the course accounts for 30% if the oral exam is passed.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Dr. Sébastien Doutreloup
Pr. Xavier Fettweis
Department of Geography - Laboratory of Climatology
Web: http://www.climato.be/
Association of one or more MOOCs
The MOOC entitled 'Tout comprendre sur le climat et son réchauffement (S3)' is associated with this course.
Further information:
https://www.fun-mooc.fr/fr/cours/tout-comprendre-sur-le-climat-et-son-rechauffement/