MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Climatology Laboratory

Course: GPH215

First Term: 2005 Summer I

Laboratory 1 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 2.4 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: A mathematical, statistical, and spatial analysis of climatological phenomena

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Examine the composition and structure of the atmosphere. (I) 2. Describe the role of energy in the earth`s radiation balance. (II) 3. Show Earth/Sun relations and their importance to radiation variations on the Earth. (III) 4. Examine field data for temperature and moisture for various locations. (IV, V) 5. Analyze temperature, pressure, and precipitation maps. (IV, V, VII) 6. Create and analyze weather maps. (VI) 7. Delineate the different climatic classifications throughout the world. (VIII) 8. Describe the relationship between climate and vegetation. (VIII) 9. Analyze severe weather events. (IX) 10. Determine past climate variations and their respective causes. (X) 11. Compare natural and human-induced changes on the Earth`s climate. (X) 12. Quantify the impact of temperature/moisture/wind phenomena on humans/economy (XI, XII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The Atmosphere A. Standard Atmosphere B. The Troposphere and Latitude C. Variations with Air Pressure and Altitude D. Atmospheric Composition II. The Energy Balance A. Heat Transfer B. Radiation C. Incoming Solar Energy D. Solar Energy and the Atmosphere E. Earth?s Energy Balance III. The Season A. The Seasons B. Intensity of Solar Radiation C. Noon Zenith Angle IV. Temperature A. Temperature Scales B. Temperature Data C. Annual Temperature Range D. Temperature Controls E. Isotherms V. Atmospheric Moisture A. The Water Budget B. The Water Balance C. Precipitation Distribution D. Orographic Precipitation E. Seasonal Precipitation VI. Air Mass, Fronts, and Cyclones A. Air Masses B. Cold Fronts C. Warm Fronts D. Stationary Fronts E. Occluded Fronts F. Weather Maps G. Cyclogenesis VII. Winds and the Global Circulation A. Atmospheric Pressure B. Factors Affecting Wind C. Global Pressure and Winds D. Convergence and Divergence E. Upper Air Winds and Charts VIII. Climate Classification A. The K?ppen System B. Air Masses and Climate C. Climate and Vegetation IX. Extreme Climate Events A. Hurricanes B. Tornadoes C. El Ni?o / Southern Oscillation X. Climate Change A. Climate Variability B. Milankovitch Orbital Cycles C. Global Warming D. Stratospheric Ozone XI. Climate Indices A. Heating Degree-Days B. Cooling Degree-Days C. Growing Degree-Days XII. Climate Comfort A. The Building Design B. The Heat Index C. The Wind Chill Factor

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 4/26/2005

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.