Clouds in Present and Changing Climate

MAQ36306

About this course

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.

Learning outcomes

  • 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

Assessment method

  • Assignment oral presentation (40%) Oral presentations of exercises from stage 1 (group assignment) and of project from stage 2 (individual assignment), each account for 20% of final grade
  • Assignment report (20%) Report on exercises from stage 1.
  • Assignment reflection report (40%) Project report

Prior knowledge

MAQ21806 Meteorology and Climate, MAQ32306 Boundary-layer Meteorology

Resources

  • Atmospheric boundary layer: Integrating chemistry and land interactions. J. Vilà-Guerau de Arellano, C. van Heerwaarden, B van Stratum and K. van den Dries; Cambridge University Press 2015. ISBN 978110709094. Clouds and Climate: Climate Science's Greatest Challenge A. Pier Siebesma, Sandrine Bony, Christian Jakob, and Bjorn Stevens; Cambridge University Press 2020. ISBN 9781107447738.

Additional information

course
6 ECTS
  • Level
    bachelor
  • Mode of instruction
    on campus
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Starting dates

  • 5 Jan 2026

    ends 1 Feb 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P3
    Period 3 whole day