99498 - CLIMATE VARIABILITY

Learning outcomes

The student will be able to determine the space-time scales of climatic structures and the main modes of climate variability. The student will acquire the mathematical-statistical knowledge to analyze climate variability from data and simulations of various sources. At the end of the course the student will be able to identify the major energy cycles and is capable to use these concepts for applications in predictability and predictions.

Course contents

Module 1 (P. Oddo)

• Feedbacks and sensitivity
• The ocean general circulation
• Climate variability modes
• Basic mechanism of ocean circulation variability
• Equatorial waves

Module 2 (S. Pascale).

• The Observed General Circulation
• Heuristic understanding of the atmospheric general circulation
• The water cycle
• Energy in the atmosphere
• The mechanical energy cycle
• The atmospheric angular momentum balance
• Climate Variability: basic tools and concepts
• Climate variability in the tropical atmosphere
• Stationary Rossby waves (barotropic theory)
• Low-frequency climate variability in the extratropical atmosphere

Readings/Bibliography

Main textbooks:

 

Module 1 (P. Oddo)

Notes provided by the teacher.

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Module 2 (S. Pascale)

The atmospheric general circulation, Wallace-Battisti-Thompson-Hartman, 2023, Cambridge University Press.

Global Physical Climatology (Dennis L. Hartmann, 2016; Academic Press - Second edition)

Other references: 

Introduction to circulating atmospheres, I. James, 1994, Cambridge University Press.

Physics of the climate, J. Peixoto and A. Oort, 1992, American Institute of Physics.

An introduction to dynamic meteorology, J. Holton and G. Hakim, 5th edition, 2013, Elsevier.

Teaching methods

• Frontal lectures with slide projector
• Practical sessions in a computer lab

Assessment methods

The final mark is determined as an average between Module 1 and Module 2.

Regarding Module 1 (P. Oddo), the exam consists of a discussion of the reports of practical lab sessions and a question on the topics discussed during classes.

For Module 2 (S. Pascale), the exam consists of an oral examination to test the student’s level of understanding of the phenomenological, physical and mathematical aspects discussed during lectures.

The overall duration of the exam is about 45 minutes.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, slide projector and computer laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Pascale

See the website of Paolo Oddo