Synoptic and Dynamic Climatology
| Title | Συνοπτική και Δυναμική Κλιματολογία / Synoptic and Dynamic Climatology |
| Code | NGMCM203Y |
| Faculty | Sciences |
| School | Geology |
| Cycle / Level | 2nd / Postgraduate |
| Teaching Period | Winter/Spring |
| Common | No |
| Status | Active |
| Course ID | 600025537 |
Programme of Study: PMS METEŌROLOGIA, KLIMATOLOGIA KAI ATMOSFAIRIKO PERIVALLON 2024-2029
Registered students: 11
| Orientation | Attendance Type | Semester | Year | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KORMOS | Compulsory Course | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Academic Year | 2025 – 2026 |
| Class Period | Spring |
| Faculty Instructors | |
| Weekly Hours | 3 |
| Total Hours | 39 |
| Class ID | 600281682
|
Course Type 2021
Specialization / Direction
Course Type 2016-2020
- General Knowledge
- Scientific Area
Course Type 2011-2015
Knowledge Deepening / Consolidation
Mode of Delivery
- Face to face
Digital Course Content
- e-Study Guide https://qa.auth.gr/en/class/1/600281682
- eLearning: https://elearning.auth.gr/course/view.php?id=16670
Erasmus
The course is also offered to exchange programme students.
Language of Instruction
- Greek (Instruction, Examination)
Prerequisites
Required Courses
- GMC 767Ε Applied and Dynamic Climatology
- NGMC 302Y Meteorology
- NGMCM101Υ Synoptikī kai Dynamikī Meteōrología
General Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of meteorology, climatology, and knowledge of R, CDO, FORTRAN, Python.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Understand the fundamental principles of Synoptic and Dynamic Climatology.
Describe and interpret the main features of the general atmospheric circulation and major action centers.
Analyze teleconnection phenomena (ENSO, NAO, AO, etc.) and evaluate their impact on global and regional climate.
Differentiate and classify air masses, fronts, and circulation/weather types, with specific applications to Europe and Greece.
Apply theoretical and methodological tools to the interpretation of climatological and meteorological data.
Synthesize and present scientific arguments through written reports and oral presentations.
General Competences
- Retrieve, analyse and synthesise data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
- Work autonomously
- Work in teams
- Work in an international context
- Work in an interdisciplinary team
Course Content (Syllabus)
Principles of Synoptic and Dynamic Climatology. Atmospheric pressure at the Earth’s surface, winds, vertical air motion, convergence–divergence, the major action centers (permanent and seasonal), the general circulation of the atmosphere, the Hadley–Ferrel cells, Jet Streams, Blocking systems, global teleconnection patterns (ENSO, NAO, AO, etc.) and teleconnection indices, ocean currents, air masses and their classification, fronts, cyclonic systems, circulation types – weather types, classification of circulation patterns for Europe and Greece.
Keywords
Synoptic Climatology, Dynamic Climatology, general circulation of the atmosphere, weather types, teleconnection patterns
Educational Material Types
- Slide presentations
- Multimedia
Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Use of ICT
- Use of ICT in Course Teaching
- Use of ICT in Communication with Students
Description
Use of ICT for lectures and presentations (PowerPoint, digital slides).
Application of software tools for the processing and analysis of meteorological and climatological data.
Access to databases and online resources (e.g., ECMWF, NOAA, Copernicus).
Use of the e-learning platform (e.g., moodle/elearning.auth) for distribution of teaching material, submission of assignments, and communication.
Student presentations and exercises using computational tools.
Utilization of teleconferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams) in cases of distance learning.
Course Organization
| Activities | Workload | ECTS | Individual | Teamwork | Erasmus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 36 | ✓ | |||
| Reading Assigment | 45 | ✓ | |||
| Written assigments | 36 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Exams | 3 | ✓ | |||
| Total | 120 |
Student Assessment
Description
Student assessment is carried out through a combination of methods designed to monitor learning progress and foster research and critical thinking skills. Specifically, the evaluation includes:
Submission of written assignments, assessed on completeness, accuracy, and originality.
Weekly assignment presentations, aimed at developing presentation skills and encouraging critical discussion of scientific topics.
Final project, which combines theoretical documentation with applied analysis.
Mid-term written examination, designed to evaluate the understanding of fundamental concepts and methodologies of the course.
The final grade is determined by the weighted contribution of all the above components, according to the scheme announced by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Student Assessment methods
- Written Exam with Short Answer Questions (Formative, Summative)
- Written Exam with Extended Answer Questions (Formative, Summative)
- Written Assignment (Formative)
- Performance / Staging (Formative)
Bibliography
Additional bibliography for study
Barry, R. G., & Carleton, A. M. (2013). Synoptic and dynamic climatology. Routledge.
Last Update
03-10-2025
