Physics and chemistry of the atmosphere

ENV-320 / 5 credits

Teacher(s): Huwald Wolf Hendrik, Lehning Michael, Nenes Athanasios, Schmale Julia

Language: English

Summary

The course provides an introduction to the physical and chemical processes that govern the atmospheric dynamics at small and large scales. The basis is laid for an in depth understanding of our atmospheric environment and the climate system.

Content

  • Atmospheric Thermodynamics
  • Large Scale Atmospheric Motion
  • Radiative Transfer in the Atmosphere
  • Energy Balance at the Surface-Atmosphere interface
  • Atmospheric Boundary Layer
  • Weather and Climate Systems
  • Atmospheric composition
  • Tropospheric and stratospheric ozone
  • Aerosols and clouds
  • Homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction classifications and rate expressions
  • Gas-particle mass transfer
  • Collision theory for molecules, particles, and hydrometeors
  • Atmospheric Measurements and Instruments

Keywords

Atmospheric Physics, Atmospheric Chemistry, Radiative Transfer, Weather, Climate, Aerosols, Clouds, Ozone, Air Pollution, Boundary Layer, Energy Balance, Nucleation, Sensors, Measurements

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Recommended courses

ENV-200, ENV-221, ENG-272

Important concepts to start the course

  • Differential, integral, and vector calculus
  • Linear algebra
  • Basic physics (Momentum Conservation, Dynamics)
  • Basic chemistry (reaction rates, chemical thermodynamics)
  • Basic GNU Octave/MATLAB programming

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Compute simple atmospheric quantities
  • Explain atmospheric phenomena
  • Interpret atmospheric observations
  • Describe fate and transport of atmospheric constituents
  • Identify similarities with other environmental fields
  • Categorize important atmospheric scales
  • Perform simple measurements of atmospheric variables
  • Categorize important atmospheric processes at different scales

Transversal skills

  • Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
  • Write a scientific or technical report.
  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
  • Assess one's own level of skill acquisition, and plan their on-going learning goals.

Teaching methods

Lectures, Exercises, Laboratory (included in final written exam).

Expected student activities

Regularly attending lectures and exercises

Participation in a mandatory laboratory course (block session)

Complete exercises and practical work (computer projects and lab report)

Studying provided and indicated course material

Assessment methods

Written exam (50%)

Exercise assignments (35%)

Laboratory and report (15%)

Supervision

Office hours Yes
Assistants Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Bibliography

John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs: Atmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey

Ken S. Carslaw (ed.): Aerosols and Climate, link

John H. Seinfeld and Spyros N. Pandis: Atmospheric chemistry and physics: from air pollution to climate change link

Ressources en bibliothèque

Références suggérées par la bibliothèque

Notes/Handbook

See Moodle

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

Air Pollution (ENV-409)

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Physics and chemistry of the atmosphere
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Practical work: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Physics and chemistry of the atmosphere
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Practical work: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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