Physics 256: Atmospheric Physics

Professor Mark O. Battle Fall 2004

Lectures: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30-10:25am, Searles 313

Office Hours: Wednesday 1:30-3:00pm, Thursday 11:30-12:30pm or by appointment

Atmospheric physics is the study of the world’s atmospheres from the perspective of a physicist. Like many sub-disciplines in physics, it is a difficult field to clearly define. In this course we will take an approach that is both focussed and broad. We will cover 3 general topics: thermodynamics, radiative transfer and fluid dynamics. We will then integrate these 3 fields when we consider large-scale atmospheric phenomena. Unfortunately, many detailed predictions will be beyond our means due to the computational difficulties of fluid mechanics.

Course Requirements:

Regular attendance at lectures is expected. This is particularly important since we will be moving beyond the required text.

You will be expected to complete problem sets (quasi-weekly). These will be assigned on Fridays and collected at the beginning of class one week later. Problem sets turned in 3 days late (Monday) will be assessed a penalty of 30%. They will not be accepted after Wednesday.

In place of problem sets (and sometimes in addition to them), I will expect you to find articles from the current scientific literature, digest their contents and present them to the class for discussion. These presentations will be graded on clarity, thoroughness of preparation, and depth of understanding.

There will be two exams: a midterm (1 hour, in class) and a final.

Textbook:

The primary course text will be An Introduction to Atmospheric Physics by David G. Andrews (Cambridge University Press, 2000). There will be other readings from books placed on reserve in Hatch Library, the Gedanken Lab and on-line, as appropriate.

Grading:

Homeworks and presentations: 30%

Midterm exam: 30%

Final exam: 40%

Important Dates:

Midterm exam: October 25^th (Monday)

Final exam: December 15th (Wednesday) 2:00 pm

Makeup Classes:

I will be attending a conference from September 18 – 23. Furthermore, due to the extension of Thanksgiving break by 1 day, we miss a Wednesday meeting. Consequently, we will need to schedule 3 make-up classes. After the semester is underway, we will find times that are free of conflicts for everyone.