Class Climatology and Meteorology

The students should be able to: identify the main climatic elements, their functioning and measurement instruments; characterize climate variability in Portugal; interpret meteorological charts for weather forecasts and activation of the alert levels in Civil Protection; use available statistical sources for the knowledge of climate and interpret weather information of interest to the climatic classification.

Not applicable

1. Weather and Climate. Definitions. 2. Meteorological and climate information. 3. Atmosphere. 4. Solar radiation and global energy balance. 5. Air temperature. 6. Humidity, clouds, and precipitation. 7. Atmospheric pressure. 8. Wind 9. Atmospheric circulation, synoptic situations, weather conditions. 10. Climatic parameters and climate classification. Köppen and Strahler classifications. 11. Climate characterization of Portugal. 12. Phenomena and extreme weather conditions, risks, and vulnerabilities. Civil Protection and Alert levels.

During the course, practical sessions will be conducted on the processing and analysis of meteorological and climate events using the SNAP software developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). The course adopts student-centred teaching methodologies, integrating Problem-Based Learning (PBL) through the solution of real-world problems, Case-Based Learning (CBL) based on the analysis of meteorological and climate events, and Simulation-Based Learning using professional Earth Observation and remote sensing tools. These approaches promote the practical application of knowledge, the development of technical skills, and evidence-based decision-making in realistic scenarios.

Ahrens, C. Donald (2009). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment . Ninth Edition. Brooks/ Cole, Cengage Learning, USA, 621p. Ahrens, C. Donald, Samson, Perry (2011). . Brooks/ Extreme Weather and Climate Cole, Cengage Learning, USA, ISBN-13: 978-0-495-11857-2, 527p. Barry, Roger Graham; Chorley, Richard J. (1995). Atmosphere, Weather and Climate . London: Routledge. Daveau, S. (1995). Portugal Geográfico . Lisboa: João Sá da Costa, 223 p. Garcia, Filipe Fernández (1996). Manual de climatología aplicada ¿ clima, medio ambiente y  planificacíon . Editorial Sintesis, 285p. Instituto de Meteorologia (2011). Atlas Climático Ibérico 1971-2000. ISBN: 978-84-7837-079-5. Miranda, Pedro M. A. (2009). Meteorologia e Ambiente: Fundamentos de meteorologia, clima e ambiente atmosférico (2ªEdição). Editor: Universidade Aberta. Ribeiro, O., Lautensach, H. & Daveau, S. (1988). Geografia de Portugal ¿ O Ritmo Climático e a Paisagem, Volume II, Lisboa: Edições João Sá da Costa.