MT24B: Atmospheric Physics

Module Provider:

Meteorology

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn and Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr AJ Illingworth

Pre-requisites:

MT11A

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2006/7

Aims:
To provide the student with an understanding of the physical processes that interact with dynamics in weather systems and climate, emphasising clouds and radiative transfer

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module, the student should be able to:
Describe and explain the formation of cloud particles and precipitation, and recognize and explain the origin of different cloud types,
Quantitatively describe the radiation field in the atmosphere and the bulk properties of the atmosphere that determine the interaction with the radiation field, and describe and calculate scattering, absorption and emission of radiation by atmospheric gases and particles.
Explain the origin of rainbows and the visual appearance of clouds
Describe and assess techniques for the measurement of rainfall and evaporation
Evaluate contributions to the surface moisture budget

Additional outcomes:
The student will be able to look at the sky with enhanced appreciation.

Outline content:
Lecture contents:
Water vapour and aerosols in the atmosphere; nucleation and growth of cloud droplets, warm and cold cloud precipitation formation, formation, maintenance and dissipation of clouds, cloud electrification, orographic enhancement of precipitation and weather modification; definition of basic radiation quantities, solar and thermal infrared emission of radiation, introduction to scattering and absorption, single and multiple scattering, spectroscopy, and absorption and emission of radiation, the radiative transfer equation and heating rates; measurement and characteristics of rainfall and evaporation.
Demonstration content:
cloud formation; absorption vs scattering; single vs multiple scattering; rainbows

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Thirty-two 50 minute lectures, including approximately 4 hours of demonstrations.
Eight 50 minute tutorials with problem solving exercises. Approximately six assignments with problems to illustrate and apply lecture material

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Approximately 6 assignments
Relative percentage of coursework: 50%
Penalties for late submission
10% of maximum mark up to five working days late. Zero mark after five working days.
Examinations
2 hour examination, students are required to answer 2 of 3 questions
Requirements for a pass
40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Resit examination only