Downloadable Syllabus [PDF]
Structure |
The course will survey research on alttitudinal and topographic effects on weather and climate in mountain areas and discuss mountain climate characteristics in several different regions. A basic weather/climate college background course is required. |
Grading |
4331 : Mid-terms I & II 25%, Final 50% |
| 5331: Mid-terms I & II 20%, Final 30%, Paper 30% | |
Text |
R.G. Barry, 2008 Mountain Weather and Climate, (3rd edn. Paperback) Cambridge University Press |
| Dates | Major Topics |
| 13 January 2009 | Introduction: Scale considerations; physical characteristics of mountains. |
| 15 January 2009 | Climatic Observations |
| 20 January 2009 | Climate Factors |
| 22 January-5 February | Altitude Effects: Pressure, water vapor, radiation components, temperature, and wind | 10-19 February 2009 | Orographic Effects: Airflow-lee waves and larger-scale effects, dynamically-forced winds, thermal wind systems |
| 24 February 2009 | Review |
| 26 February 2009 | Mid-term Exam I (5331 Project paper abstracts due) |
| 3-19 March 2009 | Climatic Characteristics: Topo and micro climate, slope and aspect effects, energy budget and temperature, cloud regimes, precipitation, and moisture budget |
| 24- 26 March 2009 | Spring break |
| 31 March-3 April 2009 | Bioclimatology: (altitude and cold) |
| 7-14 April 2009 | Regional Case Studies: Equatorial, tropical, and mid-latitudes |
| 16 April 2009 | Review |
| 21 April 2009 | Mid-term Exam II |
| 23 April 2009 | Climate change in mountain areas |
| 28 April 2009 | Project report presentations (5331) |
| 30 April 2009 | Review |
| 2 May 2009 (Sat.) | Final Exam: 7:30-10:30 p.m. |