GEO503 Climatology (8)

This subject covers the major topics of climate science. Fundamental energy and water exchanges are covered for several different climate surface types with a focus on evaporation. Processes at a larger scale are then explored to explain the major influences of climate and weather on the Australian landscape. The subject has no residential school. The final section of the subject builds on this framework so that on completion students will have an in-depth understanding of contemporary climatic variability and climate change processes.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GEO503. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Subject Relationships

GEO303 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

GEO303

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • have a broad and coherent understanding of a range of fundamental climate processes such as energy and mass exchanges
  • have advanced knowledge of the differences between climates of simple non-vegetated surfaces to those of vegetated surfaces
  • have advanced knowledge of weather systems in Australia and global climatology
  • be able to explain previous climate change and variability
  • be able to critically discuss the scientific basis of climate change predictions and models and recent developments in this area

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Part 1 Boundary layer climates (i.e. climatic processes at micro and local scale)
  • Part 2 Macro and meso-scale climatology and meteorology
  • Part 3 Climate change and variability

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of GEO503 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Determining evaporation from flux tower data
30
2
Climate change forecasting and impacts
35
3
Take home exam
35

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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