Atmospheric Physics (U01864)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : GEO-4-MYAP

Atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics are initially reviewed, then the spatial and temporal structure of the atmospheric boundary layer is studied, beginning with a dry convective layer and then considering a cloud-topped layer.
Cloud and aerosol physics are then covered. This knowledge is used to examine the role of the boundary layer in pollution dispersion and deposition.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : At least 40 points at level 9/10 from schedule Q, OR at least 40 points at level 9/10 from schedule N which must include Mathematical Methods for Geophysicists (U01800).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Meteorology, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	14:00	14:50	KB
Lecture	Friday	14:00	14:50	KB

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that a student will be able to:

- explain the role of the atmospheric boundary layer in the global atmospheric circulation

- describe the spatial and temporal variation of a typical shallow convective boundary layer in terms of temperature and moisture content

- explain the physical processes that give rise to this structure

- understand the nature of turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture and derive their variation with height, given temporal changes of structure in simple situations

- discuss the sources and sinks of turbulent kinetic energy

- understand the condensation process producing cloud droplets

- describe the variation with height of radiative fluxes in typical boundary layers and derive the implied heating rates

- understand, in general terms, the nature of numerical modelling of the boundary layer