Physics of the Atmosphere
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course unit aims at introducing students to the most relevant topics of atmospheric physics. The goal is to provide them the conceptual bases to understand the most relevant radiative, thermodynamic and dynamic processes regulating the behavior of Earth's atmosphere. The course unit also aims at introducing students to the observation of Earth's atmosphere. This goal is addressed along all the lectures and it makes wide use of meteorological information from the WEB.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course uit, students must first understand how Earth's atmosphere is monitored and which variables are used to describe it. Students must then understand the most relevant radiative, thermodynamic and dynamic processes regulating the behavior of Earth's atmosphere. Students must finally be aware that the understanding of these processes allows setting up a system of differential equations allowing to forecast the future state of Earth's atmosphere starting from an initial observed state.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The Earth's atmosphere: vertical structure and characteristics; chemical composition, trace gases, greenhouse effect and the climate system.
Atmospheric thermodynamics: ideal gas law for dry and moist air, water vapour in the atmosphere, hydrostatic equation, geopotential, hypsometric equation and its applications, first principle of thermodynamics applied to the atmosphere, adiabatic processes, potential temperature, static stability for dry and moist atmosphere, thermodynamic diagrams and meteorological applications; second law of thermodynamics, Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Formation and classification of clouds and precipitation.
Overview of the networks for meteorological observations, measurements and analysis charts.
Atmospheric dynamics: basic concepts of atmospheric fluid dynamics, eulerian and lagrangian approach; forces, equation of motion in a rotating system, scale analysis and solution of simplified equations: geostrophic, inertial, cyclostrofic and gradient flows. Large scale motion: ageostrophic wind and vertical motion, cyclonic and anticyclonic circulation and meteorological charts. Barotropic/baroclinic atmosphere and thermal wind.
Radiative processes: electromagnetic spectrum, black body radiation, radiation balance for the sun-earth-atmosphere system; short and long wave radiation, interaction of the Earth atmosphere with the radiation, radiation balance at the earth surface and at the top of the atmosphere. Greenhouse effect. Radiative transfer equations. Radiative-convective equilibrium.
Introduction to the general circulation of the atmosphere.
Overview of numerical weather prediction models.
Atmospheric thermodynamics: ideal gas law for dry and moist air, water vapour in the atmosphere, hydrostatic equation, geopotential, hypsometric equation and its applications, first principle of thermodynamics applied to the atmosphere, adiabatic processes, potential temperature, static stability for dry and moist atmosphere, thermodynamic diagrams and meteorological applications; second law of thermodynamics, Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Formation and classification of clouds and precipitation.
Overview of the networks for meteorological observations, measurements and analysis charts.
Atmospheric dynamics: basic concepts of atmospheric fluid dynamics, eulerian and lagrangian approach; forces, equation of motion in a rotating system, scale analysis and solution of simplified equations: geostrophic, inertial, cyclostrofic and gradient flows. Large scale motion: ageostrophic wind and vertical motion, cyclonic and anticyclonic circulation and meteorological charts. Barotropic/baroclinic atmosphere and thermal wind.
Radiative processes: electromagnetic spectrum, black body radiation, radiation balance for the sun-earth-atmosphere system; short and long wave radiation, interaction of the Earth atmosphere with the radiation, radiation balance at the earth surface and at the top of the atmosphere. Greenhouse effect. Radiative transfer equations. Radiative-convective equilibrium.
Introduction to the general circulation of the atmosphere.
Overview of numerical weather prediction models.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures with use of multimedial material.
Exercise are done with active intervention by the students.
Exercise are done with active intervention by the students.
Teaching Resources
- Lecture Notes
- Wallace J. M. & Hobbs P. V.: Atmospheric Sciences, an introductory survey. Academic Press., 2006
- Holton J. R.: An introduction to dynamic meteorology. Academic Press., 2004
- Martin E. J.: Mid-latitude Atmospheric Dynamics. Wiley.
- Hartmann D. L.: Global physical climatology. Academic Press.
- Peixoto J. P. & Oort A. H.: Physics of climate. American Institute of Physics.
- Stull R. B.: Practical Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science. UBC. Online: https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/books/Practical_Meteorology/
- Wallace J. M. & Hobbs P. V.: Atmospheric Sciences, an introductory survey. Academic Press., 2006
- Holton J. R.: An introduction to dynamic meteorology. Academic Press., 2004
- Martin E. J.: Mid-latitude Atmospheric Dynamics. Wiley.
- Hartmann D. L.: Global physical climatology. Academic Press.
- Peixoto J. P. & Oort A. H.: Physics of climate. American Institute of Physics.
- Stull R. B.: Practical Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science. UBC. Online: https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/books/Practical_Meteorology/
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final test is an oral exam that aims at evaluating the acquired knowledge and at testing the ability of applying it to case studies concerning the main issues faced in the course unit. A critical approach to the studied issues will be one of the main evaluated points.
FIS/06 - PHYSICS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE CIRCUMTERRESTRIAL MEDIUM - University credits: 1
GEO/12 - OCEANOGRAPHY AND PHYSICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE - University credits: 5
GEO/12 - OCEANOGRAPHY AND PHYSICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE - University credits: 5
Practicals with elements of theory: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Davolio Silvio
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By phone or mail appointment
Via Botticelli 23, Locale 1021