Climate Change – Extreme Weather Events
| Title | Κλιματικές Αλλαγές - Ακραία Καιρικά Φαινόμενα / Climate Change – Extreme Weather Events |
| Code | NGMCM104Y |
| Faculty | Sciences |
| School | Geology |
| Cycle / Level | 2nd / Postgraduate |
| Teaching Period | Winter/Spring |
| Common | No |
| Status | Active |
| Course ID | 600025529 |
Programme of Study: PMS METEŌROLOGIA, KLIMATOLOGIA KAI ATMOSFAIRIKO PERIVALLON 2024-2029
Registered students: 10
| Orientation | Attendance Type | Semester | Year | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KORMOS | Compulsory Course | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Academic Year | 2025 – 2026 |
| Class Period | Winter |
| Faculty Instructors |
|
| Weekly Hours | 3 |
| Total Hours | 39 |
| Class ID | 600281676
|
Course Type 2021
Specific Foundation
Mode of Delivery
- Face to face
- Distance learning
Digital Course Content
- e-Study Guide https://qa.auth.gr/en/class/1/600281676
Language of Instruction
- Greek (Instruction, Examination)
Prerequisites
General Prerequisites
Students are not required to have taken any prerequisite course
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understanding Climate Processes
o Analyze the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms governing Earth's climate.
o Explain fundamental concepts and processes related to climate change and its impacts.
o Analyze the physical processes and factors contributing to an evolving climate during the geological centuries.
2. Data Management and Trend Identification
o Interpret climate change data, such as temperature anomalies, CO₂ levels, and sea-level changes.
o Identify long-term trends and impacts of climate change using modern analysis tools.
3. Examination of Extreme Weather Events
o Describe and analyze the physiology and causes of extreme weather events such as storms, cyclones, floods, and heatwaves.
o Connect extreme weather phenomena to climate change and explore their environmental, economic, and societal impacts.
4. Impact and Risk Assessment
o Evaluate the social, environmental, and economic consequences of climate change and extreme weather events.
o Identify vulnerable populations and propose measures for risk reduction and adaptation.
5. Policy Design and Solution Implementation
o Analyze and propose policies and technical solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and address extreme weather events.
o Apply resilience and adaptation practices at different scales (local, regional, global).
6. Interdisciplinary Approach and Collaboration
o Utilize knowledge from various scientific fields (meteorology, ecology, geography, social sciences) to achieve a holistic understanding of the issues.
o Collaborate in teams to develop proposals and solutions, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches.
7. Communication and Awareness
o Present scientific data and information about climate change and extreme phenomena clearly and effectively.
o Contribute to raising public awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
These learning outcomes ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to address challenges related to climate change and extreme weather phenomena at scientific, professional, and societal levels.
General Competences
- Apply knowledge in practice
- Retrieve, analyse and synthesise data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
- Make decisions
- Work autonomously
- Work in teams
- Respect natural environment
- Be critical and self-critical
- Advance free, creative and causative thinking
Course Content (Syllabus)
Course Content: Geological time scale. Geological eras and climate evolution. Proxy Data and Dating Methods. Natural Cause Climate Changes. Movements of the continents on the surface of the earth. Wegener's theory. Volcanoes - Volcanic Eruptions. Changes in Earth's Position and Motion – Milankovitch's Astronomical Theory. Solar Activity – Sunspots. Climate Change in the Future. Anthropogenic Effects. Future Scenarios. The greenhouse effect. The role of climate models for the future projections. Statistical and dynamical downscaling. Future climate estimations on a global scale. Future climate temperature and precipitation changes over Europe and the Mediterranean region. Climate change and water. Definition of Extreme Weather Events (frequency, intensity, severity). Impacts to humans, the environment and the ecosystems. Future estimations of the extreme weather events. Study of their potential changes. Future estimations. Prevention and adaptation measures.
Keywords
climate change, impacts, extreme events, climate models, future projections
Educational Material Types
- Notes
- Slide presentations
- Interactive excersises
Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Use of ICT
- Use of ICT in Course Teaching
- Use of ICT in Communication with Students
- Use of ICT in Student Assessment
Description
In the "Climate Change - Extreme Weather Phenomena" course, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are actively integrated to enhance understanding and practical application of concepts. Teaching is supported by modern learning management platforms (e.g., Open eClass or the equivalent AUTh platform), where all teaching materials (lectures, scientific articles, supplementary resources) are uploaded, facilitating student access and autonomy. For the in-depth study of climate change and extreme phenomena, students utilize specialized software for analyzing and visualizing large datasets of climatic data (historical and simulated), as well as for examining the results from climate models and scenarios.
Communication between instructors and students, and among students themselves, takes place via email, discussion forums, and potentially teleconferencing tools. This ensures prompt resolution of queries, collaboration on assignments, and the exchange of views on the complex aspects of climate. Student assessment is also enhanced by ICT, as students can electronically submit assignments requiring data analysis or presentations of climate model results, and digital tools may also be used for exams or quizzes. In this way, ICT not only facilitates teaching but also equips students with practical skills essential for research and understanding climate challenges.
Student Assessment
Student Assessment methods
- Written Exam with Short Answer Questions (Formative, Summative)
- Written Exam with Extended Answer Questions (Formative, Summative)
- Written Assignment (Formative, Summative)
- Performance / Staging (Formative, Summative)
Bibliography
Course Bibliography (Eudoxus)
Εξειδικευμένες διαφάνειες πάνω σε όλα τα θέματα του συγκεκριμένου μαθήματος - Δημοσιευμένες εργασίες σε διεθνή επιστημονικά περιοδικά
Additional bibliography for study
Η μετεωρολογία σήμερα, Εισαγωγή στον καιρό, το κλίμα και το περιβάλλον. CD Ahrens and R. Henson, Εκδόσεις Τζιόλα
Last Update
10-06-2025
