The course deals with the complex factors that determine weather and climate conditions on Earth. We start with the Earth's orbit around the sun, how it controls the radiation reaching Earth, and its connection to the climatic history of the Ice Ages. The structure and characteristics of today's atmosphere and the forces that drive weather systems and climate in various regions of the globe will be reviewed. Also to be discussed are the hydrological cycle, the formation of clouds and precipitation processes. The role of oceans in climate will be studied, as well complex ocean-atmosphere phenomena such as El Nino and global warming.

Course lesson topics include: the earth's temperature, solar radiation, the earth's orbit, the seasons, ice ages, energy balance, composition and structure of the atmosphere, moisture and creation of clouds, atmospheric stability, clouds and climate, atmospheric movements/winds, general circulation, climatic classification, weather systems in the mid-latitudes, extreme weather conditions, the oceans, El Nino, global warming.
Prerequisite: None
Grade: Exercises: 2 course homework (10%), 2 test 20%, final exam (70%).