The significant concepts of meteorology and climatology are introduced. The focus will be on the understanding of the physical processes, which create weather, and changes in energy and moisture balances, which determine local and global climates. Included will be a discussion of the interrelationship of climate, soils and vegetation. Laboratory work will be required.
Credits: 3
Hours: 75 (Lecture Hours: 3; Laboratory Hours: 2)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
None
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Introduction Physical Geography
- Earth’s Atmosphere
- Solar Energy
- Seasons and Energy Balance
- World Temperatures
- Atmospheric Circulation and Ocean Currents
- Atmospheric Moisture/Precipitation
- Atmospheric Stability and Air Masses
- Mid-Latitude Cyclones and Violent Storms
- Climate Classification and Climate Change
- Water Balance and Resources
- Soils: Properties and Formation
- Soils: Classification and Distribution
- Ecosystem Components and Cycles
- Ecosystems: Biomes and Distribution
Learning Outcomes:
- Introduce physical geography as a science;
- Explain the principles of meteorology and climatology;
- Analyse the interrelationship between climate, soils and vegetation; and
- Discuss the impact of human activity on climate.
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 100
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.