Class Climatology and climate change

The Climatology and Climate Change course provides an understanding of the physical and dynamic principles of the climate system and the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. It covers fundamental concepts, scales of analysis, information sources, natural variability, and anthropogenic climate change. Topics include atmospheric and oceanic circulation, periodic phenomena, global energy balance, radiation and radiative forcing, climate classification, and Portugal’s climatic regions. Extreme events, climate modelling, downscaling, data analysis, palaeoclimate, and future projections are also addressed. This unit is key in Environmental Engineering, providing the basis for impact assessment and for adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Not applicable

Study of fundamental climatology concepts and scales of analysis, including meteorological and climatic information sources. Analysis of the Earth’s climate system, atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, and periodic phenomena. Understanding radiative processes, solar radiation, albedo, radiative forcing, greenhouse gases, and the global energy balance. Structure and composition of the atmosphere, humidity, precipitation, temperature, pressure, and wind. Characterisation of climate types, Köppen-Geiger classification, and climate normals. Focus on Portugal’s climatic regions, solar radiation, sunshine, and seasonal precipitation. Study of extreme weather events, palaeoclimate, current changes, and future projections, including Milankovitch cycles. Introduction to climate models, downscaling techniques, and data analysis.

This course adopts active, student-centred methodologies, combining theoretical lectures with practical and research activities. Problem-Based Learning and Flipped Classroom approaches are used to foster autonomy, critical thinking, and practical application of concepts. Case studies, real data analysis, and climate model simulations link theory with practice. Laboratory work, field activities, and digital platforms strengthen technical and analytical skills. Group work is encouraged to develop communication and teamwork, while individual tasks consolidate knowledge. The use of multimedia resources, interactive maps, and climate data visualisation tools enhances participatory and interdisciplinary learning.

Ahrens, C. D. (2009) - ''Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate and the Environment'', 9 th Edition Brooks Cole, Cengage Learning, USA. Ahrens, C. D. & Samson, P. (2011) - ''Extreme Weather and Climate'', Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. Barry, R. G., Chorley, R. J. (1995) - ''Atmosphere, Weather and Climate'', 6th Edition, Routledge. Cuadrat, J. M. & Pita, M. F. (2004) - ''Climatologia'' 3ª Ed., Ed. Cátedra. Daveau, S. (1995) - ''Portugal Geográfico'', Ed. João Sá da Costa. Garcia, F. F. (1996) - ''Manual de climatologia aplicada. Clima, Medio Ambiente y Planificacíon.'' Ed. Sintesis. Instituto de Meteorologia (2011) - ''Atlas Climático Ibérico, 1971-2000''. ISBN: 978-84-7837-079-5. Miranda, P. M. A. (2009) - ''Meteorologia e Ambiente: Fundamentos de meteorologia, clima e ambiente atmosférico'', 2ª Edição, Ed. Universidade Aberta.