Learn to explain the various factors that cause weather conditions
Climate science is the study of atmospheric conditions, which are generally determined by factors such as temperature, wind, air pressure and water vapour at any specific time.
The earth's atmosphere is composed of a mixture of moisture, temperature and gases which, in one way or another, control the conditions that are vital for the occurrence of life on earth. These conditions are always somewhat active, and are subject to change at every moment in time. The variations in the atmosphere along with the earth’s energy dynamics play a major role on what influences an everyday environmental behaviour. This, along with the movement of the earth and the suns radiation, produces continuous and aggregate conditions of climate and weather phenomena that affect, positively or negatively, life on earth.
Lesson Structure
There are 8 lessons in this course:
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Nature & Scope of Climatology
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Introduction to climatology & meteorology
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Understanding how climate and weather affects us
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What makes up our weather?
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How do we measure weather?
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Weather Science Foundations
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Solar Radiation
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Temperature
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Precipitation
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Deposition
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Humidity
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Clouds
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Circulation Patterns
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Pressure Systems
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Atmospheric Pressure
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Pressure and Temperature
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Latitudinal Circulation
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Air masses
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Wind
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Trade Wind
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The Beaufort Scale of Wind Speed
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Frontal Systems
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Oceanic circulation
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Longitudinal Circulation
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Southern Oscillation
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Ocean Gyres
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Climate Classifications & Patterns
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Types of Climates
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Arid/Desert
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Subtropical
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Tropical
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Temperate
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Mediterranean
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Coastal
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Factors Which Influence Climate
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Latitude
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Wind Direction
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Topography
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Altitude
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Aspect
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Geographical Location
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Climates Classification Models
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Koppen Climate Classification
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Thornwaite Climatic Classification System
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Bergeron Climatic Classification System
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Spatial Synoptic Classification (SSC)
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Other Global Classification Systems
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Holdridge Life Zone System
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Atmospheric Dynamics
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Introduction to Atmosphere Composition
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Purpose of the Atmosphere
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Seasonal Variations
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Vertical Structure of Atmosphere
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Precipitation
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Precipitation Processes and Other Events
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Cloud Dynamics
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Storms
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Thunderstorms
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Cyclones, Typhoons and Hurricanes
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Tornadoes
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METAR Codes for Precipitation Processes
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Aerosols and Climate Processes
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Indirect Effects of Aerosols
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Climate Changes
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Factors that Cause or Influence Climate Change
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Natural Causes
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The Sun
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Earth's Orbit
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Earth's Axis
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Oceanic Circulation
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Oceanic Carbon Dioxide
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Magnetic Field
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Plate Tectonics
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Volcanic Activities
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Asteroids, Comets or Meteorite Impact
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Manmade Causes or Anthropogenic Influences
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Fossil Fuels
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Agriculture
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Deforestation
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Nitrous Oxide
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Other Pollution
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Different Types of Climate Change Events
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Glaciation and Ice Loss
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Flora and Fauna
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Ocean Warming and Sea Levels
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Permafrost
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Extreme Weather Events
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Ozone Depletion
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Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect
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Applications of Climate Science
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Evolution of Methods and Techniques of Weather Forecasting
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Early Methods & Simple Techniques
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Modern Forecasting Approaches
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Synoptic (Traditional) Forecasting
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Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP)
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Statistical Methods
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Long and Short Range Forecasting
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Understanding Forecasting Models
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Simple Models
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Tropical Cyclone Forecast Model
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General Circulation MOdel (GCM)
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Regional Climate Modelling
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Collection and Applications of Weather & Climate Data
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Weather Mapping
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Satellite
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Radar
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Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)
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Verification Methods
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Methods of Standard Verification
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Climatology Problem Based Learning Project
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Management Processes
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Planning
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Organising
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Leading
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Controlling
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Business Plans - Preparing a Plan
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Decision Making
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What to Plan for
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Risk
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Risk Analysis
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Ways to Manage Risk
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PROJECT PLAN
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
What is Climatology ?
Climatology as the name suggests is the study of climate, or in other words, the study of the average weather conditions over a given period of time. It is considered to be one of the ‘atmospheric sciences’ which are often subsumed under ‘earth sciences’. Knowledge of climatology can be used to make short term weather forecasts using various analogue climate models.
Climatology may examine past climates through geological data and other sources, along with current climate data to understand climate patterns and predict future weather and climate. Climatology makes use of statistical data and numerical models to try and understand climate but since there are so many different variables and complex processes involved, climate science is not an exact science because the equations used to apply physical laws are generally approximations.
Why Study the Climate?
Climate is a big part of our environment and as such it has a big impact upon how we live and what we do.
Appropriate climatic conditions make it easier to do everything from playing to working, as well as staying healthy and avoiding illness.
When climate is inappropriate, the air may become contaminated, or temperature and humidity may go beyond what is ideal for people. plants and animals to function in.
We study climate because it is necessary to understand our environment if we are to properly manage any of these things that climate affects.
For this reason; a fundamental understanding of climate science is a necessary thing for a wide variety of jobs, including:
- Farmers
- Horticulturists
- Environmental Managers
- Land and natural resource managers
- Engineers
- Planners
Everyone from businessmen and tourism operators to athletes can be impacted in a big way when the climate goes wrong. There are few if any jobs that are not impacted by climate; and for this reason alone; an understanding of climate science is something that virtually everyone can benefit from.
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