Las estaciones del año y el clima

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/estaciones-clima

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: "Las estaciones del año y el clima" on Coursera** If you're keen on understanding the intricate relationship between the changing seasons and climate, the Coursera course titled "Las estaciones del año y el clima" is an excellent resource to explore. Tackling both fundamental and complex climatic concepts, this course delves into why animals migrate annually, how farmers determine the right times for planting and harvesting, and the overall mechanisms governing seasonal changes. ### Course Overview **"Las estaciones del año y el clima"**, which translates to "The Seasons of the Year and Climate," is a well-structured online course that offers a blend of geographical concepts and scientific principles, allowing learners to grasp the multifaceted nature of climatic conditions worldwide. The course is particularly appealing to those interested in geography, environmental science, agriculture, and climate change. ### Syllabus Breakdown: 1. **Perception of the Seasons** In the first module, learners revisit essential geographical terms such as the equator, parallels, and meridians. The importance of geographic positioning in explaining local seasonal variations is emphasized, alongside how solar energy distribution influences climates. It’s a foundational step that ensures learners comprehend the broad implications of Earth’s geography before diving deeper. 2. **Orbital Parameters** Here, the focus shifts to the Earth's movements and their climatic implications—critical knowledge for understanding equinoxes and solstices. By studying these astronomical concepts, students will uncover how the Earth’s tilt and trajectory shape seasonal transitions differently across latitudes. 3. **Bases of the Climate System** The third module addresses why specific regions experience varying climates, introducing concepts like albedo and the greenhouse effect. This part of the course invites learners to analyze the complex interactions that define local weather patterns and encourage them to consider the significance of climate as a multifaceted system. 4. **Functioning of the Climate System** As the course progresses, participants will study current climate systems, natural processes affecting climate, and the human-induced changes contributing to climatic shifts. This module serves to raise awareness about environmental impacts and prepares learners to speculate on future climatic scenarios, fostering a sense of responsibility towards sustainability. ### Course Highlights - **Interactive Learning:** The course employs engaging multimedia, including videos, quizzes, and interactive discussions, making the learning experience more dynamic and enjoyable. - **Expert Instructors:** The course is designed by knowledgeable instructors who bring real-world insights into how geographical and atmospheric sciences interconnect. - **Flexibility:** Being hosted on Coursera, learners enjoy the flexibility of accessing the course material anytime, allowing for pacing that fits their schedules. ### Who Should Take This Course? "Las estaciones del año y el clima" is suitable for a wide audience—from students and educators in related fields to individuals with a general interest in climate and environmental studies. If you are curious about the natural world, this course will enrich your understanding significantly. ### Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, I highly recommend "Las estaciones del año y el clima" for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about the Earth's climatic phenomena. This course not only addresses the theoretical aspects of seasons and climate but also considers practical implications that affect agriculture and biodiversity. By the end of the course, you will emerge with a deeper appreciation for the natural cycles that dictate life on Earth. Enroll today and embark on an insightful journey into the heart of our planet’s climate!

Syllabus

Percepción de las estaciones

¿Recuerdas qué es el ecuador, paralelo y meridiano, latitud y longitud? Para que comprendas las estaciones del año, es preciso que primero recuerdes ciertos conceptos de la geografía de la Tierra. En este módulo identificarás la importancia de la posición geográfica para explicar las diferencias locales de las estaciones del año y el clima. Asimismo, verás cómo la cantidad de energía solar que llega a la superficie terrestre depende de la posición del Sol.

En este módulo identificarás los movimientos más importantes de la Tierra y cómo influyen en el clima, los hitos que marcan el paso de las estaciones y la radiación solar. Por tanto, primero revisarás los sistemas de referencia y los movimientos de la Tierra, incluso la precesión. Después estudiarás los equinoccios y solsticios. Finalizarás explorando a detalle la carrera del Sol en diferentes latitudes.

En el lugar donde vives, ¿hace frío o calor?, ¿es seco o húmedo? Ahora estudiarás a qué se deben las diferencias de clima en cada región, en especial revisarás qué es el albedo y el funcionamiento del efecto invernadero. En este módulo describirás los fundamentos del sistema climático para dimensionar su complejidad.

En el módulo 4 revisarás cómo se estudia el sistema climático actual, entenderás los procesos naturales y antropogénicos de los cambios climáticos, y tomarás conciencia de los efectos de las actividades humanas en el clima, así como de los futuros escenarios causados por los daños al medio ambiente.