Module Identifier | PH29010 | ||
Module Title | ATMOSPHERIC PHYSICS | ||
Academic Year | 2000/2001 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr James Whiteway | ||
Semester | Semester 2 | ||
Other staff | Dr Nicholas Mitchell, Dr Geraint Vaughan | ||
Pre-Requisite | PH11010 , PH12010 , PH13010 , PH16010 | ||
Course delivery | Lecture | 20 lectures | |
Seminars / Tutorials | 2 exercise classes; 2 tutorials | ||
Assessment | Exam | End of semester examinations | 70% |
Course work | Example Sheets Coursework Deadlines (by week of Semester): Example Sheets 11,12 and 15 Weeks 2,3 & 6 Example Sheets 16,17 and 19 Weeks 7,8 & 10 | 30% |
Module description
An introduction is given to the physics of the Earth's atmosphere. The basic principles of radiation, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics are applied to gain an understanding of fundamental atmospheric phemonena. Topics covered include: planetary radiation balance, thermal structure, formation of clouds and precipitation, lightening, generation of wind and atmospheric circulation, weather patterns and the stratosphere. Discussion will emphasize the environmental issues of climate change and ozone depletion. Applications such as remote sensing of planetary atmospheres and weather prediction are also introduced.
Learning outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:
Outline syllabus
PART 1
Atmospheric composition
Fundamentals of radiation
Planetary radiation balance
Atmospheric thermal structure
Solar radiation in the atmosphere: absorption and scattering
Remote sensing of planetary atmospheres
Climate Change
PART 2
Clouds and precipitation
Wind
Meteorology: cyclones, anticyclones and fronts
Planetary scale circulation and world climates
Dynamics of the stratosphere and mesosphere
Ozone depletion
Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
J.M. Wallace and P.V. Hobbs.
Atmospheric Science, an Introductory Survey.
** Supplementary Text
J.W. Moran and M.D. Morgan.
Meteorology.