GEOG 3105 - Climatology
Dr. Keith H. Topps |
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Climatology is the study of the characteristics of the atmosphere around us, the processes which act together to produce daily weather patterns, and the effects of weather and climate on human activities.
Subject material is normally divided into three broad areas:
The Fundamentals of Climatology and Meteorology deals with the
observation and study of weather elements such as solar energy,
heat, atmospheric pressure, wind, and precipitation. Combinations of
these elements result in numerous weather events from fog to tornadoes.
Regional Climatology examines several methods of climatic
classification and the geographic distribution of different climatic
types. Applied Climatology focuses on the impact of weather
and climate on day-to-day human activities, the influence of regional
climate on economic land use, and the prospects for intentional and
inadvertent weather modification.
The primary emphasis of this first course in climatology is to develop a thorough understanding of the characteristics and operation of the atmosphere. Special emphasis is placed on techniques of observation, measurement, and data collection. As your knowledge of the fundamentals of Climatology and Meteorology grows throughout the year you will find yourself examining day-to-day weather events from an analytical perspective rather than merely from a convenience or annoyance point of view. By the end of the term you will have developed some expertise in forecasting the weather.
Extensive use is made of the Nipissing University Weather Station and a number of Internet resources. Students will work in groups to practise techniques of weather observation and forecasting.
Lab assignments are an integral part of this course. They are designed to be learning experiences in their own right, but also to amplify and exemplify the material covered in lecture. You learn the techniques by practical application. Analysis and interpretation of weather maps is fundamental to an understanding of meteorology and weather forecasting.
Climatology is a 6 credit course.
Course Pre-requisite: GEOG 1017 - Introduction to Physical Geography
Climatology is scheduled for Fall/Winter of 2002/02 and is normally offered
every year.
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Dr. Keith Topps
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This page was last updated on October 11, 2002.
