describe and discuss the process of, and controls on, the transfer of radiant and nonradiant energy in the Earth-Atmosphere system explain, describe a

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1 e GEOG 1180 Summer, 2011 GEOG 1180 (Section 2) Physical Geography (Meteorology, Climatology and Biogeography) Lecture Lab Instructor Instructor's Office Office Hours Monday 13:30-15:20 am, Wednesday 13:30-14:20 am (A231) Wednesday 14:30-16:20 (A231) Andrew (Drew) Egan A240b 9:30-10:30 Monday, Wednesday or by Appointment Phone (replies made daily by 5:00 pm) Course Description: This course is an introduction to the studies of the atmosphere (meteorology), climate (climatology) and vegetation distribution (biogeography). Topics covered include atmospheric processes, local and global weather, air pollution, world climates, urban climates, past climates and future climates. This is a laboratory science course. The lab work provides students with an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to a series of applied and practical problems. Students will also learn how to make weather observations. There is no prerequisite, however Mathematics 11 is desirable. Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to: appreciate physical geography as a field of scientific inquiry, and communicate effectively using the language, graphical presentation and quantitative methods employed in physical geography. demonstrate an understanding of the concept of using knowledge surrounding systems analysis as a method of studying Earth processes and environments. describe the shape and size of the Earth; explain and apply the geographic (latitude and longitude) graticule, time zones and map scale; and discuss the use of map projections. describe how the atmosphere has evolved and explain its relationship with the lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. describe the vertical structure of the atmosphere in terms of both composition and properties. use and apply basic relationships governing the behaviour of electromagnetic radiation. explain how Sun-Earth geometry results in latitudinal and seasonal variation in Earth's energy receipt, and use and apply basic geometrical relationships governing the intensity and amount of solar radiant energy received by the Earth. Geography_1180_syllabus_Section_2_-_2011.doc 1

2 describe and discuss the process of, and controls on, the transfer of radiant and nonradiant energy in the Earth-Atmosphere system explain, describe and apply the surface radiation balance and surface energy balance concepts. explain the major controls on the global distribution of air temperature and precipitation. describe and explain the general global pattern of atmospheric and oceanic circulation. distinguish between, and use examples to explain global, synoptic and local scale atmospheric circulations. explain, describe and apply some techniques and tools used to measure the major climate elements; air temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction, and precipitation. outline the movement of water through the hydrologic cycle and, in particular, describe and discuss the processes involved in the atmospheric phase of the cycle discuss and describe a range of mid-latitude weather phenomena. appreciate and discuss severe weather as an environmental hazard. describe and the explain the general global distribution of climate. describe, in general terms, the relationship between plants and climate; and use and apply the soil-water budget concept. appreciate and discuss Earth's climate as a system which responds to a variety of internal and external forcing mechanisms operating on a range of time scales. appreciate and describe how Earth's climate has changed over time, and discuss and explain the concerns regarding human impacts on future climate. Course Format: The course format consists of three hours of lecture/discussion material each week, followed by a two hour lab period. Lab Materials a. Lab manual b. Pencils and eraser c. Ruler d. Protractor e. Metric graph paper f. Scientific calculator Required Texts: Christopherson, R.W. and Byrne, M.L., 2009, Geosystems, An Introduction to Physical Geography, 2nd Canadian Edition, (Pearson Education Canada) e Department of Geography, 2009, Geography 1180 Lab Manual These texts should be available in the bookstore. 2

3 Evaluation and Grading: Assignment or Exam Percentage of Final Grade Lab Assignments 9 % Lab Exam 1 18 % Lab Exam 2 18 % Weather Observation Assignment 8% Midterm Exam 1 18 % Final Exam 29 % A+ Distinguished Achievement 95% C+ Average Achievement 65% - 69% A 87% - 94% C 60% - 64% A- 80% - 86% C- 55% - 59% B+ Above Average Achievement 77% - 79% D Minimum Passing 50% - 54% B 74% - 76% F 49% B- 70% - 73% Notes: (1) Students are expected to attend all lectures. (2) For successful completion of the course and to receive course credit: (a) All components of the course must be satisfactorily completed. Permission to make up missed assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. (b) Students must obtain a minimum of 50% in the combined lab assignments and lab exams component of the course (3) Plagiarism or cheating on assignments, or exams may result in a grade of zero for that particular assignment or exam. For more details see the Code of Conduct in the e Calendar. It is also strongly suggested that students read the sections on Attendance and Student/Faculty Responsibility in the calendar. 3

4 GEOG 1180 Course Ouline (4) Physical Geography (Meteorology, Climatology and Biogeography) Month/ Lecture Week Monday/ Wednesday May 9-11 Chapter 1 Topic Introduction Geography Essentials Chapter 1,2 Essentials cont. & Solar Radiation Chapter 2,4 *May 23 No Class Earth-Sun Relations, Energy Budget, Radiation Principles 30 - Chapter 4,3 Radiation Principles, June 1 Earth s Atmosphere Lab Wednesday No Lab Topic 1 Map Skills 2 Energy and Radiation Principles 3 Radiation Balances 6 8 Chapter 5 Air Temperature 4 Air Temperature Midterm Exam 1,2,3,4,5 Study Chapter 6 Atmosphere and Ocean Circulations Midterm Exam Chapter 6,7 Atmosphere and Ocean Circulations cont., 5 Atmospheric Moisture Atmospheric Stability July 4-6 Chapter 7 Atmospheric Stability 6 Atmospheric Stability Chapter 7,8 Atmospheric Stability cont., Clouds, Fog and 7 Weather Maps #1 Weather Chapter 8 Weather Maps and Forecasting cont. 8 Weather Maps # Chapter 8 Weather Maps and Study Forecasting August 1-3 Chapter 10 *Aug 1 No Class Global Climate Systems Final Lab Exam Aug. 8 Chapter 17 & Review Climate and Arctic Ecosystems Final Exam Cumulative (5) ** This course outline is an approximation of the time necessary to cover the Geog course content. The dates are amendable and dependent upon lecture material and time. The materials related to the lectures, labs, and various assignments will be provided in class, thus attendance is strongly advised. The due date for the major project will be finalized as the semester progresses. 4

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