81754 - Climatology

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student knows: -the observed climatology of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere; -the phenomenology and models of the general circulation of the atmosphere; -phenomenology and mechanisms of large-scale climate variability. Upon successful completion of this course the student is able to: use statistical methods used in climate analysis; use the relevant scientific literature and the correct terminology.

Course contents

The course aims to provide knowledge of the physical aspects of the Earth's climate system, of its dynamics and of the factors that determine its variability. The main mechanisms influencing climate will be taught, including interaction between the different components, global balances, and fluxes. The atmosphere and ocean general circulation and their main mechanisms of variability will be reviewed in the framework of climate and climate variability. Finally, students are introduced to climate data analysis.

THE EARTH'S ENERGY BUDGET

The Earth's radiative energy balance. Solar and terrestrial radiation, planetary albedo, blackbody radiation, radiative equilibrium, and the greenhouse effect. Radiative transfer in the atmosphere. Meridional energy transport and the role of clouds, aerosols, and surface properties in the global climate system.

THE MEAN STATE OF THE ATMOSPHERE

Composition and vertical structure of the atmosphere. Atmospheric thermodynamics, hydrostatic equilibrium, and static stability. Moist processes, convection, and cloud formation. General atmospheric circulation, including Hadley, Ferrel, and polar cells, jet streams, and the global distribution of temperature, pressure, precipitation, and humidity.

CLIMATE VARIABILITY

Natural variability of the climate system on seasonal to multidecadal timescales. Internal variability arising from atmosphere–ocean interactions. Major modes of variability, including ENSO, NAO, PDO, and MJO. Teleconnections, climate feedbacks, and mechanisms governing variability in the Earth system.

LARGE-SCALE DYNAMICS

Fundamental principles of large-scale atmospheric dynamics. Applications of quasi-geostrophic theory. Rossby waves, baroclinic instability, wave–mean flow interactions, and the physical mechanisms controlling the general circulation of the atmosphere.

THE STRATOSPHERE AND THE OCEAN

Structure and dynamics of the stratosphere and the global ocean. Stratospheric circulation, ozone, and stratosphere–troposphere coupling. Ocean circulation, mixing processes, and the thermohaline circulation. Air–sea interactions, ocean heat uptake, and the role of the ocean in regulating climate variability and change.

FORCED VARIABILITY AND ANTHROPOGENIC CLIMATE CHANGE

External forcing of the climate system, including solar variability, volcanic eruptions, greenhouse gases, aerosols, and land-use change. Radiative forcing, climate sensitivity, and climate feedbacks. Detection and attribution of climate change. Climate models, future climate projections, and the physical basis of anthropogenic climate change.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes and slides

Dennis L. Hartmann: Global Physical Climatology ; Academic Press, (2015). 2nd edition, ISBN: 978-0123285317

Introduction to Circulating atmospheres, Ian James Cambridge University Press (1994)

Wilks D. S.: Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences, 3rd Edition (2011)

· Apel, J.R. Principles of Ocean Physics. 634pp. (Academic Press, London, 1987).

· Gill, A.E. Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics. 662pp. (Academic Press, San Diego, 1982).

· Peixoto, J.P. & Oort, A.H. Physics of Climate. 520pp. (American Institute of Physics, New York, 1992).

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures

Assessment methods

The final exam is intended to verify the understanding/comprehension of all phenomenological, mathematical/statistical aspects. The final exam consist in an oral examination during which the student will be asked generally three questions. The exam lasts 40 minutes on average.

Teaching tools

PC, PROJECTOR, WHITE/BLACK BOARD

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Ruggieri