Module Code and Title:         CLM101          Introduction to Climate and Weather Studies

Programme(s):                      BSc Environmental Management

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor(s):                   GP Sharma (Coordinator)

                                              Jesse Montes

                                              Radhika Chhetri         

General Objectives

The module will introduce students to the fundamentals of weather, climate and climate changes, and relevant scientific and technological advancements. The module encompasses topics on basic physical principles on weather phenomena such as wind, temperature, humidity, cold/warm fronts, thunderstorms and tropical cyclones; introductory weather analysis, forecasting and climate. Through real-life examples, students will get familiarized with weather/climate science and interpretation of meteorological information, climatology and climate change.

Learning outcomes – Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Describe the elements and controls of weather and climate.
• Identify the distribution and characteristics of climatic regions.
• Explain the common daily weather events, their causes and impacts.
• Recall the basic principles of weather and climate.
• Utilize basic knowledge of atmospheric processes to dissect and explain weather phenomenon or climate systems.
• Interpret data presented in graphs, weather maps, and statistical data.
• Locate reliable sources for current weather observations, forecasts, and timely information on inclement weather, while recognizing the limitations.
• Use graphical, symbolic and statistical methods to analyse data in a manner appropriate to the discipline.
• Explain the differences of weather and climate in Bhutan as compared to other parts of the world.
• Explain the fundamental principles behind weather forecasting.
• Explain and interpret climate change phenomena, history, governance and present policies and gaps and needs.
• Examine the local adaptation and mitigation options for climate change.

Skills to be developed

• Students should be able to read, record meteorological instruments, and maintain them regularly.
• Students should be able to use graphic, symbolic and statistical method to organize, analyse and interpret meteorological data.
• Students should be able to locate reliable sources of current weather observation and forecasts.

Learning and teaching approaches used:

The module will be conducted over 15 teaching weeks as follows:

• 3 hrs/wk of lecturing on the theory components.
• 1 hr/wk of tutorial, seminars, and discussions.
• 1 hr/wk meteorology field work, discussion, and laboratory practical.
• One field trip to a national forecasting centre.
• 3 hrs/wk outside of class, on average, for independent study.

Assessment:

Semester-End Examination (SE):            40%

Continuous Assessment (CA):     60%

Pre-requisite knowledge:

Subject Matter:

              I.        Introduction to weather and climate

1. Scope of climatology and meteorology
2. History
3. Importance and use
4. Weather and climate
5. Different approaches
   1. Paleoclimatology
   2. Paleotempestology
   3. Historical Climatology

6. Global climate models

            II.        Weather basics (definition, calculation, interpretation)

1. Temperature
2. Humidity
3. Pressure
4. Precipitation
5. Cloud cover
6. Sunshine
7. Wind speed
8. Wind direction
9. Evaporation
10. Fronts and storms
11. Jet streams
12. Cyclones/tornadoes and hurricanes

• Numerical Weather Prediction

1. Overview of forecast model physics
2. Data assimilation process
3. Global model output
4. GIS meteorology
5. Forecasting
6. Utilizing and interpreting Model data
7. Pattern recognition
8. Practical forecasting examples
9. Brief introduction to environmental hazards and risks associated with weather and climate
10. Natural hazards and disasters
11. GLOF, flood and draught in Bhutan
12. Natural disaster issues in Bhutan
13. Strategies to manage natural disasters
14. Overview of climate change
15. Causes: natural and anthropogenic
16. Evidences of climate change; technical parameters: temperatures (atmospheric and ocean), sea level, atmospheric CO₂ levels, levels of ice and snow at poles and other reservoirs, extreme weather, ocean acidification
17. Emerging strategies for addressing climate change
18. Basic concepts in climate change adaptation and mitigation; approaches in Bhutan

• Case Studies: Global pattern of trends in stream flow and water availability in a changing climate

Essential Readings:

1. Bonan, G. (2008) Ecological Climatology, 2^nd Ed. Cambridge University Press, UK.

2. IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2014). Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). (http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/).
3. Miller, G.T., and Spoolman, S.E. (2014). Environmental Science, 14th Ed. Belmont: Brooks/Cole.
4. Wright, R. T, Boorse, D.F (2011). Environmental Science – Towards a Sustainable future, 11^th Ed., PHI Learning Private Limited, New Delhi.

5. World Meteorological Organization, 2003. Meteorological systems for hydrological purposes. Retrieved from the website http://lccn.loc.gov/2005419787.

Additional Readings:

1. Baer, F., Canfield N.L., and Mitchell J.M. (1991).Climate in Human Perspective : a Tribute to Helmut E. Landsberg, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht ; Boston
2. Burroughs, W. (2003). Climate: Into the 21st century, Cambridge University Press, U.K.; New York.
3. Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac Library, (2002). Climate and the environment. North American ed., http://lccn.loc.gov/2002022705
4. Quarrie, J. (1992). Earth Summit ’92; The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Rio de Janerio., Published by the Regency Press, London.
5. Russell D. Thompson and Allen Perry. (1997). Applied Climatology: Principles and Practice, London; New York: Routledge

6. Sinha, P.C. (2006). Hazardous Wastes, Organic Pollutants and Prior Informed Consent. New Delhi: SBS Publishers and Distributers Pvt. Ltd.

Date last updated: May 30, 2015