SOEE 2530 Atmospheric Physics

Module Handbook

By Dr Steven Dobbie

SOEE2530
Atmospheric Physics
10 credits

Module manager Steven Dobbie
Email:

Taught Semester 2 View Timetable

Year running 2009/10

Pre-requisite qualifications
60% or more in SOEE1540 or A Level Physics

Pre-requisites

SOEE1540 / Physics for Environmental Science

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary
You will gain a solid foundation in the physical processes that govern the structure and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere. By the end of this module you will have an understanding of the thermodynamics of ideal gases, atmospheric phase changes of water, aerosol growth, cloud formation, the behaviour of light in the atmosphere, the effects of aerosols in climate and atmospheric electricity. An emphasis is put on the understanding of natural phenomena in terms of basic physics and applications of basic physics to real problems is stressed at all points.
This module is taught in semester 2 and is assessed by a computer based practical and a one and a half hour examination.

Objectives
On completion of this module students will have a solid foundation in the physical processes that govern the structure and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere. They will have an understanding of the thermodynamics of ideal gases, atmospheric phase changes of water, aerosol growth, cloud formation, the behaviour of light in the atmosphere, the effects of aerosols on climate and atmospheric electricity (lightning generation). An emphasis is put on the understanding of natural phenomena in terms of basic physics and applications of basic physics to real problems is stressed at all points in the module. Students will exercise their knowledge through a series of numerical, descriptive and graphical problems. Students will also develop skills in reporting scientific findings in a concise and accurate manner through computer project reports.

Syllabus
Basic structure and composition of the hydrosphere (including hydrostatic equilibrium and stability). Kinetic theory and molecular velocities. Transport properties of gases (including diffusion). Basic thermodynamics of air. Atmospheric thermodynamics. Atmospheric water and phase diagrams. Evaporation and condensation of water (including cloud formation). Aerosols and clouds. Thermal radiation. Radiative transfer in the atmosphere. Light scattering by aerosols and clouds. Radiative effects of atmospheric aerosols and clouds (climate effects). Atmospheric optical phenomena. Atmospheric electricity and lightning.

Teaching methods

Delivery type / Number / Length hours / Student hours
Lectures / 16 / 1.00 / 16.00
Tutorial / 10 / 1.00 / 10.00
Private study hours / 74.00
Total Contact hours / 26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) / 100.00

Private study
32 hours: 2 hour reading/problem solving per lecture
15 hours: computer practical
27 hours: revision prior to exam

Progress monitoring
Questions for understanding of each lecture/topic; weekly problem classes; marking and return of problem sheets.

Methods of assessment
Coursework

Assessment type / Notes / % of formal assessment
Report / Write up of computer based practical / 30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) / 30.00

Exams

Exam type / % of formal assessment
Unseen exam (MCQ, essays, etc.) / 70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) / 70.00

Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library website

Resit format

Resits will take place in accordance with University regulations. The format of resit for this module will be an exam (no coursework).