Course Overview
Learners will be introduced to the climate system characteristics as well as the processes that create climate from micro to macro time and space scales. The Earth’s radiation and energy budget, in addition to the effects of landscapes, local and regional wind systems, topography, large-scale atmospheric factors and urban design on local climates will be studied. Observations and microclimatic monitoring will also be presented. The climate change issues will be covered emphasising implications on the stability and sustainability of ecosystems. Learners will be encouraged through class discussions to reflect on factors affecting local climate, and how this knowledge can be applied to silviculture, wildlife habitat, recreation, agriculture, energy policies and urban design.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
2.0
- Retired
- This course has been retired and is no longer offered. Find other Flexible Learning courses that may interest you.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the climate system and its major components:
- Climate elements
- Global climate and atmospheric circulation
- Climatological time and space scales ranging from micro to macro scales.
- Explain the structure, chemical composition and physical properties of atmosphere:
- Atmospheric layers
- The main characteristics and importance of the Planetary Boundary Layer
- Characteristics of temperature, wind, pressure, humidity, stability, turbulence and other parameters.
- Comprehend the Earth’s radiation and energy budget:
- Identify the components required to calculate the net radiation balance
- Describe the surface albedo, emissivity, and general thermal properties of various surfaces.
- Discuss the features of local climates:
- The influence of topography, surface type, local and regional wind systems, largescale factors on the local climate
- The phenomenon and impacts of urban heat islands
- Local climate characteristics that affect local air quality
- The role of climatic and microclimatic conditions in the forest ecosystem management -Silvicultural activities, sustainable urban design, opportunities for energy options.
- Understand the importance and components of climate monitoring systems:
- Instruments used to assess characteristics but also differences in microclimates
- Find online information regarding the location of local weather stations, and the collection of weather data
- Provide an overview of climate change issues used for planning of adaptation and mitigation actions:
- Periods of significant climate change
- Implications on the stability and sustainability of ecosystems , energy policies.
- Discuss the Canadian and BC energy policies and options.
- Discuss the application of climatology knowledge to silviculture, fire management, wildlife habitat, agriculture, and urban design.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2012
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.