Clouds in Present and Changing Climate

Clouds are a key component of weather and climate. The formation and decay of clouds depends on the synoptic conditions, surface fluxes and cloud microphysics. The aim of this course is to provide the student with fundamental concepts to describe and numerically model the dynamics and microphysics of clouds, in particular stratocumulus and shallow cumulus, and their sensitivity to synoptic conditions, surface fluxes, and cloud microphysics.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Theoretically describe the fundamental aspects of maritime and continental boundary-layer clouds (stratocumulus and shallow cumulus) in terms of boundary-layer dynamics, surface interactions, radiation, diurnal variability and microphysics
• Design, perform and critically assess numerical experiments with conceptual models
• Design, conduct and present a small scientific project related to the clear or cloudy boundary layer
• Indipendently organise and refine a small research project, using critical thinking

Assumed Knowledge:
MAQ21806 Meteorology and Climate, MAQ32306 Boundary-layer Meteorology