Storm and Hurricane Formation Course
Why this course?
The Storm and Hurricane Formation Course
This course provides you with an in-depth understanding of these extreme weather phenomena, from their origin and development to their devastating impact. Learn to identify the atmospheric conditions that lead to their formation, interpret key meteorological data, and predict their path and intensity. This program will equip you to mitigate the risks associated with these events and contribute to the safety of vulnerable communities.
Differential Advantages
- Detailed Analysis of Atmospheric Physics: Understanding the driving forces behind the formation of storms and hurricanes.
- Use of Numerical Prediction Models: Learn to work with cutting-edge tools to predict the behavior of these phenomena.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analysis of historical hurricanes and their impact on different regions of the world.
- Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies: Developing practical solutions to reduce vulnerability to these events.
- Flexible Format: Access to online content, interactive simulations, and Q&A sessions with experts.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Meteorologists and climatologists seeking to deepen their knowledge of atmospheric dynamics and cyclonic system modeling.
- Risk management and insurance professionals interested in damage assessment and the economic impact of extreme weather events.
- Civil engineers and architects requiring advanced knowledge for the design of resilient infrastructure against hurricane-force winds and flooding.
- Emergency response and civil protection personnel needing to improve preparedness and coordination in the face of the impact of storms and hurricanes.
- Environmental science and geography students seeking a Specialization in the study and analysis of severe weather phenomena.
Academic flexibility: Ideal for professionals and students: 24/7 online access, asynchronous discussion forums, and practical assessments focused on real-world cases.
Objectives and competencies
Understanding the atmospheric physics behind the genesis and evolution of these phenomena:
“Interpreting thermodynamic diagrams and meteorological data to predict atmospheric instability and the development of severe storms.”
Interpreting and predicting the path and intensity of storms and hurricanes:
Analyze advanced meteorological data (satellite, radar, numerical models) and apply principles of atmospheric dynamics to anticipate the spatio-temporal evolution of these phenomena, effectively communicating the predictions and their uncertainties.
Assess and mitigate the risks associated with storms and hurricanes:
“Implement predefined contingency plans, adapting them to the real situation and prioritizing the safety of the crew and the vessel.”
Develop skills in the use of simulation tools and models for the analysis of storms and hurricanes:
“Interpret outputs from numerical models (WRF, HWRF) and apply uncertainty analysis techniques to assess risks and impacts.”
Effectively communicate information about storms and hurricanes to diverse audiences:
Adapt the language and channel to the audience (general public, authorities, media), ensuring clarity, accuracy and timeliness of the information.
Apply the acquired knowledge to optimize response and preparedness strategies for these extreme weather events:
Interpreting meteorological data and forecasts to anticipate impacts and adjust navigation plans and port operations, prioritizing the safety of human life at sea and the protection of the environment.
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Tropical Meteorology: Atmosphere, Ocean, and their Interaction
- Formation of Tropical Cyclones: Preconditions, Development Mechanisms
- Structure of a Tropical Cyclone: Eye, Eyewall, Spiral Bands
- Dynamics of Tropical Cyclones: Movement, Intensification, Weakening
- Trajectory and Intensity Prediction: Numerical Models, Statistical Techniques
- Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scales: Saffir-Simpson and others
- Hazards Associated with Tropical Cyclones: Winds, Rainfall, Flooding, Cyclonic Swells
- Impact of Cyclones Tropical Cyclones in Coastal and Terrestrial Zones
Climate Change and Tropical Cyclones: Trends and Future Projections
Preparedness and Response to Tropical Cyclones: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
‘
- Introduction to Tropical Meteorology: General Characteristics and Climate Patterns.
- Tropical Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Fundamental Equations, Convective Stability, and Condensation Processes.
- Tropical Atmospheric Circulation: Trade Winds, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and Tropical Waves.
- Formation of Tropical Disturbances: Easterly Waves, Mesoscale Convective Systems, and Preexisting Vortices.
- Tropical Cyclogenesis: Key Environmental Factors, Intensification Mechanisms, and the Role of Air-Sea Interactions.
- Structure of Tropical Cyclones: Eye, Eyewall, Spiral Bands, and Secondary Circulation.
- Dynamics of Tropical Cyclones: Force Balance, Potential Vorticity, and Equations of movement.
- Intensification and weakening of tropical cyclones: Influence of sea surface temperature, wind shear, and dry air masses.
- Movement of tropical cyclones: Beta effect, steering currents, and track prediction.
- Tropical cyclone prediction models: Statistical, dynamic, and ensemble models. Limitations and future perspectives.
‘
- Introduction to Tropical Meteorology: Basic Concepts and General Circulation
- Tropical Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Energy, Humidity, and Stability
- Formation of Tropical Disturbances: Easterly Waves, Convergence Zones
- Development of Deep Convection: Hot Chimneys and Triggering Mechanisms
- The Role of Wind Shear: Effects on Intensification and Weakening
- Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction: Sea Surface Temperature and Heat Transfer
- Tropical Cyclogenesis: Environmental Factors and Dynamic Processes
- Structure of a Mature Tropical Cyclone: Eye, Eyewall, Spiral Bands
- Numerical Prediction Models: Fundamentals and Limitations in Forecasting cyclones
- Observation and Monitoring Techniques: Satellites, radars, and reconnaissance aircraft
‘
- Introduction to tropical meteorology: global and regional atmospheric circulation.
- Thermodynamics of the tropical atmosphere: convection, humidity, and stability.
- Formation of tropical disturbances: easterly waves, convergence zones.
- Tropical cyclogenesis: necessary conditions and intensification processes.
- Structure of a tropical cyclone: eye, eyewall, spiral bands.
- Wind dynamics in tropical cyclones: force balance, pressure gradient.
- Trajectory of tropical cyclones: factors influencing their movement.
- Interaction of tropical cyclones with the environment: SST, wind shear, land.
- Tropical cyclone observation and monitoring: satellites, radars, buoys.
- Tropical cyclone prediction models: types, limitations, and improvements.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety ā diagnosis ā intervention ā verification ā report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĆ³dulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Tropical Meteorology: Atmosphere, Ocean, and their Interaction
- Formation of Tropical Cyclones: Preconditions, Development Mechanisms
- Structure of a Tropical Cyclone: Eye, Eyewall, Spiral Bands
- Dynamics of Tropical Cyclones: Movement, Intensification, Weakening
- Trajectory and Intensity Prediction: Numerical Models, Statistical Techniques
- Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scales: Saffir-Simpson and others
- Hazards Associated with Tropical Cyclones: Winds, Rainfall, Flooding, Cyclonic Swells
- Impact of Cyclones Tropical Cyclones in Coastal and Terrestrial Zones
Climate Change and Tropical Cyclones: Trends and Future Projections
Preparedness and Response to Tropical Cyclones: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
‘
- Introduction to Tropical Meteorology: General Characteristics and Climate Patterns.
- Tropical Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Fundamental Equations, Convective Stability, and Condensation Processes.
- Tropical Atmospheric Circulation: Trade Winds, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and Tropical Waves.
- Formation of Tropical Disturbances: Easterly Waves, Mesoscale Convective Systems, and Preexisting Vortices.
- Tropical Cyclogenesis: Key Environmental Factors, Intensification Mechanisms, and the Role of Air-Sea Interactions.
- Structure of Tropical Cyclones: Eye, Eyewall, Spiral Bands, and Secondary Circulation.
- Dynamics of Tropical Cyclones: Force Balance, Potential Vorticity, and Equations of movement.
- Intensification and weakening of tropical cyclones: Influence of sea surface temperature, wind shear, and dry air masses.
- Movement of tropical cyclones: Beta effect, steering currents, and track prediction.
- Tropical cyclone prediction models: Statistical, dynamic, and ensemble models. Limitations and future perspectives.
‘
- Introduction to Tropical Meteorology: Basic Concepts and General Circulation
- Tropical Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Energy, Humidity, and Stability
- Formation of Tropical Disturbances: Easterly Waves, Convergence Zones
- Development of Deep Convection: Hot Chimneys and Triggering Mechanisms
- The Role of Wind Shear: Effects on Intensification and Weakening
- Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction: Sea Surface Temperature and Heat Transfer
- Tropical Cyclogenesis: Environmental Factors and Dynamic Processes
- Structure of a Mature Tropical Cyclone: Eye, Eyewall, Spiral Bands
- Numerical Prediction Models: Fundamentals and Limitations in Forecasting cyclones
- Observation and Monitoring Techniques: Satellites, radars, and reconnaissance aircraft
‘
- Introduction to tropical meteorology: global and regional atmospheric circulation.
- Thermodynamics of the tropical atmosphere: convection, humidity, and stability.
- Formation of tropical disturbances: easterly waves, convergence zones.
- Tropical cyclogenesis: necessary conditions and intensification processes.
- Structure of a tropical cyclone: eye, eyewall, spiral bands.
- Wind dynamics in tropical cyclones: force balance, pressure gradient.
- Trajectory of tropical cyclones: factors influencing their movement.
- Interaction of tropical cyclones with the environment: SST, wind shear, land.
- Tropical cyclone observation and monitoring: satellites, radars, buoys.
- Tropical cyclone prediction models: types, limitations, and improvements.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety ā diagnosis ā intervention ā verification ā report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Tropical Meteorology: formation of air masses, humidity, and temperature.
- Storm Genesis: atmospheric instability, convection, wind shear.
- Types of Storms: single-cell, multi-cell, supercell, mesoscale convective systems.
- Hurricane Development: necessary conditions, eye formation, and eyewall.
- Intensity Scales: Saffir-Simpson, pressure measurements, wind, and storm surge.
- Internal Dynamics of Hurricanes: heat transport, role of water vapor, effects of Earth’s rotation (Coriolis).
- Factors that Intensify and Weaken Hurricanes: sea surface temperature, wind shear, interaction with land.
Hurricane Tracks: high and low pressure systems, ocean currents, prediction models.
Hazards Associated with Storms and Hurricanes: hurricane-force winds, flooding, landslides, tornadoes.
Climate Change and Hurricanes: scientific evidence, trends in frequency and intensity, future projections.
‘
- Introduction to Meteorology: basic concepts, atmosphere, meteorological variables.
- Storm Formation: types of storms, necessary ingredients, life cycle.
- Dynamics of Severe Storms: supercells, squall lines, mesoscale convective systems.
- Hurricane Genesis: necessary conditions, development and intensification, influencing factors.
- Structure of a Hurricane: eye, eyewall, spiral bands, wind circulation.
- Intensity Scales: Saffir-Simpson (hurricanes), Fujita (tornadoes), Enhanced Fujita (EF).
- Hazards Associated with Storms: lightning, hail, Strong winds, flash floods.
- Risks Associated with Hurricanes: storm surge, torrential rains, destructive winds, tornadoes.
- Prediction and Modeling: prediction tools, numerical models, forecast interpretation.
- Preparedness and Mitigation: emergency plans, protective measures, risk assessment.
‘
- Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Basic Concepts, Humidity, Stability
- General Circulation of the Atmosphere: Trade Winds, Jet Streams, Rossby Waves
- Formation of Cumulonimbus Clouds: Convection, Wind Shear, Mesocyclones
- Tropical Disturbances: Easterly Waves, Intertropical Convergence Zones
- Tropical Cyclogenesis: Favorable Factors, Intensification Processes
- Structure of a Mature Tropical Cyclone: āāEye, Eyewall, Spiral Bands
- Tropical Cyclone Dynamics: Hydrostatic Equilibrium, Wind Gradient
- Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction: Heat and Moisture Exchange, Influence on Intensity
- Numerical Prediction Models: Types, Resolution, Limitations
- Observation and analysis techniques: satellites, radars, reconnaissance aircraft
‘
- Introduction to Meteorology: Atmosphere, Pressure, Temperature, and Winds
- Storm Formation: Types, Life Cycle, and Characteristics
- Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Humidity, Convection, and Stability
- Hurricanes: Genesis, Structure, Categories, and Intensity Scales
- Fluid Dynamics: Vorticity, Convergence, and Divergence
- Weather Forecasting: Numerical Models, Satellites, and Radar
- Storm Hazards: Lightning, Hail, and Flash Floods
- Hurricane Hazards: Storm Surge, Extreme Winds, and Torrential Rainfall
- Mitigation and Preparedness Measures: Early Warning Systems Early warning and emergency plans
Climate change and its impact on the frequency and intensity of storms and hurricanes
‘
Career opportunities
- Meteorologist/Forecaster: Prediction and analysis of storm and hurricane formation and trajectory for government agencies, media outlets, and the private sector.
- Research Scientist: Participation in research projects to better understand the physical processes that drive the formation and evolution of these phenomena.
- Risk Analyst: Assessment of the potential impact of storms and hurricanes on infrastructure, populations, and ecosystems, to inform risk management and urban planning decisions.
- Environmental Consultant: Advising companies and governments on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and the risks associated with extreme weather events.
- Numerical Modeling Specialist: Development and improvement of computational models to simulate the atmosphere and predict the behavior of storms and hurricanes.
- Science Educator/Communicator: Teaching and communicating knowledge about meteorology and climatology to students, the general public, and the media.
- Emergency Manager: Coordinating the response to natural disasters, including planning evacuations and distributing resources.
- Air Force/Navy Officer: Monitoring and analyzing weather conditions for air and maritime operations, including forecasting storms and hurricanes.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ā„ 24ā monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Discover the science behind storms and hurricanes: Learn about their formation, development, and weather patterns.
- Weather data analysis: Interpret maps, satellite images, and predictive models to anticipate their trajectory and intensity.
- Prevention and mitigation strategies: Learn best practices to reduce the impact of these natural phenomena.
- Simulation and modeling tools: Use specialized software to better understand their dynamics and behavior.
- Emergency preparedness and risk management: Acquire key skills to protect lives and property from the threat of storms and hurricanes.
Testimonials
I successfully predicted the path and intensity of Hurricane Zeta 48 hours in advance, using ocean temperature, atmospheric pressure, and upper-level wind data that I learned to interpret during training. This prediction allowed local authorities to evacuate vulnerable populations in a timely manner and minimize damage.
I mastered marine weather forecasting, using numerical models and interpreting oceanographic data to accurately predict sea conditions, which significantly improved the safety and efficiency of my company’s maritime operations.
I successfully predicted the trajectory and intensity of Hurricane Zeta 48 hours in advance, allowing local authorities to implement timely evacuations and minimize the impact on the population.
I successfully predicted the path and intensity of Hurricane Epsilon 48 hours in advance, using ocean temperature and wind shear data, which allowed local authorities to evacuate coastal populations in time and minimize damage.
Frequently asked questions
The main difference lies in the intensity and organization: a hurricane is a tropical storm that has reached sustained winds of at least 119 km/h, presenting a closed and well-defined circulation around an eye.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
The latent heat released by the condensation of water vapor.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3ā6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Meteorology: Atmosphere, Pressure, Temperature, and Winds
- Storm Formation: Types, Life Cycle, and Characteristics
- Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Humidity, Convection, and Stability
- Hurricanes: Genesis, Structure, Categories, and Intensity Scales
- Fluid Dynamics: Vorticity, Convergence, and Divergence
- Weather Forecasting: Numerical Models, Satellites, and Radar
- Storm Hazards: Lightning, Hail, and Flash Floods
- Hurricane Hazards: Storm Surge, Extreme Winds, and Torrential Rainfall
- Mitigation and Preparedness Measures: Early Warning Systems Early warning and emergency plans
Climate change and its impact on the frequency and intensity of storms and hurricanes
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.