introduction to climatology - mesa community collegeeritw27297/213.pdf · introduction to...
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Introduction to Climatology GPH 213 (3 credit hours – SG with Lab)
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Tuesday and Thursday Mesa Community College SC26
Instructor: Dr. Erinanne Saffell Email: [email protected] Office: SCO59 Phone: 480-461-7035 Web: www.mesacc.edu/~saffell
Course Description Introduction to Climatology is the study of atmospheric phenomena over periods of time measured in months, years or longer. This course includes information on average weather conditions, infrequent and unusual types of weather, and the influence of weather on the cultural and human landscape.
Objectives The course objectives are to (1) introduce the climate of Earth as an integration of the fundamental principles of the Earth-atmosphere system, in order to (2) create an understanding of spatial and temporal variability in Earth’s climate, allowing for (3) an examination of the synergistic human-climate relationship.
Format Introduction to Climatology is an introductory survey course in climatology that assumes no prior knowledge on the subject. GPH 213 consists of weekly interactive classes that are supplemented by textbook readings, homework assignments, and class discussions. When taken in conjunction with GPH 215, this course qualifies as an SG laboratory science credit that is fully transferable within the Arizona university system, and is the prerequisite course for many advanced meteorology and climatology classes. This course also satisfies the ASU Science and Society requirement (all learning goals). During the lecture, I will sometimes use films and other media to illustrate climatological concepts, and ask you to critique the material. I will occasionally show films that may portray graphic or violent images. If you have any concerns regarding this portion of the class, please contact me during the first week of the semester.
Course Materials Pencil / Eraser Calculator Colored Pencils (recommended) Textbook: Climatology, 2
nd edition, Rohli and Vega, ISBN: 978-0-7637-9101-8
Four Green Scantron sheets You may purchase the textbook for the class or use a web-based textbook. My exams will be written from class lectures, discussions, and exercises; however, the readings are essential to your success in this class. I strongly recommended that you look over the readings on the scheduled topic before coming to class, and then return to the text after class to reinforce the details that will be on the exams.
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Tentative Schedule Week Topic Rohli
Readings
1
Introduction to Climatology Tools
Chapter 1
2
Atmosphere
Chapter 2
3
Physical Climatology Energy Balance
Chapter 3
4
Test 1
Chapter 5
5
Atmospheric Circulation
Chapter 4
6
Climate Controls
Chapter 7
7
Hydroclimatology Water Balance
Chapter 6
8
Test 2
9
Spring Break
10
Climate Classifications Chapter 8
11
Synoptic Climatology Air Masses and Fronts
Chapter 9
12
Severe Events Chapter 10
13
Test 3
14
Paleoclimatology Climate History and Reconstruction
Chapter 11
15
Natural and Anthropogenic Cycles
Chapters 12
16
Models and Forecasts Chapter 13
Final Test 4 10:30AM Note: I reserve the right to deviate from the course outline if it becomes necessary. You will be notified if there are any changes.