Thermodynamics of the earth systems
Summary
The objective of this course is to apply thermodynamic principles to understand the role of water in the Earth System. The aim is to provide a broad conceptual framework for understanding the thermodynamics of oceans and atmospheres, so material can be integrated into other study disciplines.
Content
Part 1: Introduction
- Basic concepts (thermodynamic systems, states, state variables, processes and properties).
- Equation of state (Ideal gas law, kinetic theory for gases, hypsometric equation, equation of state for ideal gases, real gases, liquids, solid. Specific equations of state for air and seawater).
- The Earth system (composition, structure of the atmosphere, ocean and solid earth. Variation of pressure, density and temperature in each compartment)
Part 2: Framework
- First Law setup (Basic concepts & review, Work; expansion work, Heat: heat capacity, basics of heat transfer mechanisms)
- First law and applications (First law formulation, internal energy, enthalpy, specific heats, heat capacity, environmental engineering and earth system applications)
- Entropy (why is it needed? historical context and definition)
- Second law (formulation and different forms)
- First and second law combined, thermodyanamic relations, heat engines
- Isontropic (adiabatic) processes in the atmosphere and ocean
- Phase Equilibria (Gibbs phase rule, Phase changes and equilibria, chemical reactions and energy state, phase diagrams of water and multicomponent systems)
Part 3: Applications
- Moist thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere (Humidity variables; isobaric, adiabatic cooling; isobaric mixing; aerological diagrams)
- Chemical thermodynamics (aqueous solutions, activity, chemical potential, solution thermodynamics. Applications to the formation of atmospheric aerosol, its hygroscopic growth, and clouds).
- Nucleation and Diffusional Growth (Surface energy, surface tension and Kelvin effect. Nucleation of the liquid and ice phase. Diffusional growth of cloud droplets and ice).
Keywords
Thermodynamics; atmosphere; ocean; solid Earth; Earth System
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
ENV-320: Physics and chemistry of the atmosphere
Recommended courses
Fundamentals of physics
Fluid mechanics
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Present application of thermodynamics to the Earth System
- Express the main laws of thermodynamics in its different forms
- Apply thermodynamic equations to study Earth System processes
- Model thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere
- Demonstrate the role of physical parameters of the Earth System
- Solve real problems of chosen applications in the atmopshere, oceans and solid Earth
- Design processes of relevance for the Earth System using thermodynamic principles
- Anticipate responses in Earth System components (aerosols, clouds) to anthropogenic or natural forcers
- Analyze Atmospheric components using thermodynamic principles
Transversal skills
- Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
- Keep appropriate documentation for group meetings.
- Summarize an article or a technical report.
- Evaluate one's own performance in the team, receive and respond appropriately to feedback.
- Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Assignment material before class
- Homework, in-class collaborative learning
Expected student activities
- Taking part to lectures
- Read assignement material before class/collaborative learning
- Active work in group project
Assessment methods
- Midterm exam in session: 30%
- Final exam in session: 70%
Supervision
| Office hours | No |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
Resources
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
No
Bibliography
- Thermodynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans, by Curry and Webster
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, Seinfeld and Pandis
Notes/Handbook
- Lecture notes
- Lecture presentations
Moodle Link
Dans les plans d'études
- Semestre: Printemps
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'été)
- Matière examinée: Thermodynamics of the earth systems
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Printemps
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session d'été)
- Matière examinée: Thermodynamics of the earth systems
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel