Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This course is designed to explain climates found near to the ground in terms of the cycling of energy and mass through systems. After a discussion of atmospheric processes and how they interact with physical properties of surfaces to produce distinctive climates, climates of various natural and human-modified environments are examined in detail. Natural environments considered are of increasing complexity, from simple non-vegetated surfaces, through vegetated surfaces to non-uniform terrain. Human-modified environments are considered in terms of intentional as well as unintended modification, urban modification of the atmospheric environment receiving particular attention. Throughout the course relevant examples are drawn from the Australasian region and classwork is supplemented with relevant practical and field work.
Assessment Written (1500 words): 40% + Examination (1.5 hours): 40% + Practical work: 20%