MALTA CLIMATE TEAM
Research Needs
Department of Physics
Nowadays, Climate Change has become a concept that dictates the present and the
future and so we cannot face away from the facts. It is a phenomenon, which
Governments around the world are taking into consideration in view of mitigation
and adaptation strategies. Due to this fact Climate Research has attracted a lot of
attention and thus is evolving rapidly and one of the most important fields is
Climate Modelling. This is a hefty task and there are various fields that are
currently in need of further development. These include:
• Further understanding of the complex air-ocean system;
•
Cloud Microphysics;
•
Improved Cloud & Convection Schemes;
•
Radiation Schemes;
•
Chemistry & Aerosol Schemes;
•
Validation of climate models through satellite data;
•
Development of computer code in climate models.
Research Opportunities
The MCT offers various research opportunities, primarily through undergraduate
and postgraduate research projects. We urge students going into their final year,
and young scientists interested in a postgraduate degree to approach us and
discuss possible projects.
The MCT organizes a Climate Summer School between July and September. To
attend this year’s Climate Summer School, an application form is available on our
Website in the section Activities.
The MCT also looks for research partners both locally and abroad.
Contact Details:
Website: http://www.um.edu.mt/science/physics/climate
Facebook: Academic Groups – Malta Climate Team
Email: climate-physics.sci@um.edu.mt
Ever since early times, weather and climate was a huge concept,
which people took very seriously especially those working in agriculture
and fisheries. Even though nowadays we no longer use what was known
as ‘l-irwiegel’ to predict weather. With the help of evolving technology, it is
now feasible to conduct research and to understand what is going on, by
making use of Climate Models. Such technology has made it possible to
understand and predict occurring phenomena with some degree of
certainty.
The Malta Climate Team (MCT) is a group of young researchers
within the Department of Physics, eager to contribute to the climate
research community. With the help of the computer cluster facility
ALBERT, at the University of Malta, the MCT foresees ample opportunities
in climate modelling.
MCT Programme of Activities
•
Questions & Answers
Presentation 1: ‘Investigating relationships between Oscillation Patterns
around Europe and their influence on aerosol transport using a Regional
Climate Model (RegCM4)’ by Mr J. Ciarlo`.
•
Presentation 2: ‘Evaluating the Land Surface Model of the Regional
Climate Model PRECIS’ by Mr W. Healey.
•
Presentation 3: ‘A regional analysis of Australian climate in relation to
ENSO using the PRECIS regional climate model’ by Ms C. Spiteri.
•
Presentation 4: ‘An analysis of the Tropical Cyclone Yasi using a
Numerical Weather Prediction Model, WRF’, by Mr J. Padovani Ginies &
Mr N. Bonnici.
•
Presentation 5: ‘Regional Climate & Weather Prediction Modelling’ by
Dr N. Aquilina.
Event
Presentations
(1, 2, 3, 4)
Monday
14.00-15.00 hrs at ELT
17.00-18.00 hrs at SLT
Tuesday
Work Shops
15.15-16.15 at MP602
18.15-19.15 at MP602
14.00-15.00 at MPL
Presentation
(5)
18.00-20.00 at SLT
Wednesday
14.00-15.00 hrs at MP216
17.00-18.00 hrs at MP401
15.15-16.15 at MP602
18.15-19.15 at MP602
SLT – Science Lecture Theatre
ELT – Engineering Lecture Theatre
MP216 – Maths and Physics Building, 1st Floor
MP401 – Maths and Physics Building, 2nd Floor
MP602 – Maths and Physics Building, 6th Floor
MPL – Maths and Physics Building, Physics Computer Lab, Ground Floor
All day from Monday to Friday, the MCT will also be at the Department of
Physics stand.
What is Climate Change?
The term Climate Change refers to a change in weather patterns over a long period
of time.
How is that different from Global Warming?
These terms are often wrongly interchanged. Global Warming is when Climate
Change produces a rise in average global temperature, hence only one of the ways
in which climate is changing.
What is Climate Modelling?
Climate modelling is the use of computational models that represent complex
weather interactions (such as those between the land, oceans, clouds and
atmosphere, amongst others). Climate models are used for weather predictions
and long-term climate simulations.
OK, but how does a simulation really work?
Most of the work of the simulation is done by computers using designated
settings. Preparing a simulation involves setting up input data in the correct
format (data mining). The program runs the simulation, which calculates the
different interactions occurring in the Earth System. Once the simulation is
complete, the outputs are processed graphically or otherwise.
So can I do this at home?
Technically, yes, however a simulation would take a lot of time to compute on a
regular desktop computer. Here at the University of Malta, the MCT makes use of
the computer cluster ALBERT which runs simulations a lot faster.
How can I get to know more?
Check the contact information on this leaflet to see the MCT’s website or join our
group on Facebook!
What is the role of the MCT?
The MCT is an active academic research group at the University of Malta that
conducts climate research through the operation of various Climate Models.