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  3. Weather and Climate Extremes

Weather and Climate Extremes (ATOC90016)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2024

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Overview

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Extreme weather and climate events have large impacts on people and the environment. It is vital that these events are well predicted on weather forecasting timescales to limit the damages they cause. It is also important that the characteristics of these events in a changing climate are well understood so that we can be prepared for future climate extremes. This course will focus on how weather and climate extremes are characterised locally and internationally, how they have changed and how they will change under global warming. The processes that lead to these events and how they are forecast will also be explained. Statistical techniques for analysing extremes will be introduced. This course will also include discussion of how extremes are communicated in terms of mitigating risks for forecast events.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Describe processes that are important to different extreme weather and climate events, including heatwaves, localised extreme rain events, and droughts;
  • Use weather observations and model simulations to identify and characterise extremes;
  • Apply statistical techniques to the analysis of extremes, including generalised extreme value theory, with an understanding of the strengths and limitations of different approaches;
  • Understand the potential impact of climate change on future weather and climate extremes at a national and international scale.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain skills in:

  • Developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;
  • Rigorous and independent thinking;
  • Problem-solving for new or unfamiliar tasks;
  • Developing computer programming skills transferable to other applications;
  • High-level written report and oral presentation skills.

Last updated: 20 February 2024