Meteorology

Composition of the atmosphere, basic meteorological variables, air pressure field and its changes, quasi-stationary winds at upper levels and close to the ground. Air pressure and temperature measurement, temperature field. Diabatic and adiabatic changes, stability of the atmosphere, convection, moisture in the atmosphere, phase changes for water in the air, formation of clouds, fog and precipitation. Energy balance of ground surface, heating/cooling of the ground and air close to it. Synoptic processes and phenomena: cyclones, anticyclones, fronts. Macro- and meso-meteorological phenomena: planetary boundary layer, thunderstorms. Principles of weather forecasting, numerical weather prediction. Elements of climatology, physical bases of climate and climate change.