METEOROLOGY

The course aims to provide the student with the basic elements and the state of the art of some themes of Meteorology, applied both to the Earth system and to space (Space Weather): knowledge of the methods used to study the meteorological phenomena that occur in earth's atmosphere; knowledge of the interaction mechanisms between the magnetized solar plasma and the terrestrial magnetosphere in the context of Space Weather.

Knowledge and understanding: Critical understanding of the most advanced developments in Modern Physics both in the theoretical and laboratory aspects and their interconnections, also in interdisciplinary fields. Adequate knowledge of advanced mathematical and computer tools currently in use in the fields of basic and applied research. Remarkable mastery of the scientific method, and understanding of the nature and process of research in physics. During the course the student will understand the main concepts underlying the physical mechanisms underlying meteorological events in the earth's atmosphere and in space.

Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to identify the essential elements of a phenomenon, in terms of order of magnitude and level of approximation required, and be able to make the required approximations. Ability to use the tool of analogy to apply known solutions to new problems (problem solving).

Making judgments: Ability to convey own interpretations of physical phenomena, when discussing within a research team. Development of a sense of responsibility through the choice of optional courses and the subject of the master thesis.

Communication skills: Ability to communicate in Italian and English in advanced sectors of Physics. Ability to present one's own research or review activity to an audience of specialists and no experts in the field.

Learning skills: Ability to acquire adequate tools for the continuous updating of knowledge and to access specialized literature in the fields of Earth Meteorology and Space Weather. Ability to acquire, through individual study, knowledge in new scientific fields.

Teaching is mainly based on lectures (in English). The students will also be invited to attend (on-line) seminars on selected topics of Meteorology and Space Weather.

Should the circumstances require online or blended teaching, appropriate modifications to what is hereby stated may be introduced, in order to achieve the main objectives of the course.

Verification of learning will be carried out through an oral final exam. Through questions related to qualifying points of the various parts of the program, the exam is aimed at ascertaining the overall level of knowledge acquired by the candidate, his/her ability to critically address the topics studied and to correlate the various parts of the program.

The final grade will equally match the knowledge shown in the qualitative and quantitative arguments, the critical view of the topics dealt with during the course and the ability to correlate the various parts of the program.

Exams may take place online, depending on circumstances.

Meteorology of the Earth: Historical introduction on meteorology - General characteristics of the Earth's atmosphere - Variables and measurement instrumentation in meteorology - Cloud and precipitation formation mechanisms - General atmospheric circulation - Local and extreme meteorological events.

Space Weather: The Sun: General Characteristics - Solar Atmosphere - Solar Magnetism and 11-Year Cycle - Activity Phenomena - Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections - Solar Wind - Interplanetary Magnetic Field and Earth's Magnetosphere - Effects of Space Weather: magnetic storms, auroras, ionospheric perturbations - Effects on technological systems.

[1] R. McIlveen: Fundamentals of Weather and Climate, Chapman & Hall, 1995

[2] K. R. Lang : The Sun from Space, Springer, 2000