Physics of the Atmosphere
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course unit aims at introducing the most relevant topics of atmospheric physics. The goal is to provide the conceptual bases to understand radiative, thermodynamic and dynamic processes regulating the behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere. The course unit also aims at introducing students to the observation of the Earth's atmosphere. This goal is addressed along all the lectures, and it makes wide use of meteorological information also from the web, to exploit the acquired knowledge in the analyses of real meteorological scenarios.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student knows the most relevant radiative, thermodynamic, dynamic and physical processes underling the behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere, and the conservation laws that regulate these processes. The student knows the energy balance of the planet and the main characteristics of the general circulation. The student understands how Earth's atmosphere is monitored, and which variables are used to describe it, and is able to interpret measurements taken by different types of sensors. The student is aware that the understanding of these processes allows setting up a system of differential equations allowing to forecast the future state of the Earth's atmosphere starting from an initial observed state. Finally, the student acquires the ability to read, understand and critically analyse scientific papers and technical reports dealing with different aspects of atmospheric physic
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
(1) The Earth's atmosphere: vertical structure and characteristics; chemical composition, trace gases, greenhouse effect and the climate system.
(2) 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, dry/saturated lapse rate, static stability for dry and moist atmosphere, thermodynamic diagrams and meteorological applications; second law of thermodynamics, Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
(3) Formation, observation and classification of clouds and precipitation.
(4) Overview of the networks for meteorological observations, measurements and analysis charts.
(5) Atmospheric dynamics: basic concepts of atmospheric fluid dynamics, Eulerian and Lagrangian approach; forces, equation of motion for a viscous fluid in a rotating system, scale analysis and solution of simplified equations: geostrophic, inertial, cyclostrofic and gradient flows. Continuity equation. Large scale motion: ageostrophic wind and vertical motion, cyclonic and anticyclonic circulation and meteorological charts. Barotropic/baroclinic atmosphere and thermal wind.
(6) Radiative processes: electromagnetic spectrum, black body radiation laws, 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.
(7) Introduction to the general circulation of the atmosphere.
(8) Introduction to numerical weather prediction models.
(2) 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, dry/saturated lapse rate, static stability for dry and moist atmosphere, thermodynamic diagrams and meteorological applications; second law of thermodynamics, Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
(3) Formation, observation and classification of clouds and precipitation.
(4) Overview of the networks for meteorological observations, measurements and analysis charts.
(5) Atmospheric dynamics: basic concepts of atmospheric fluid dynamics, Eulerian and Lagrangian approach; forces, equation of motion for a viscous fluid in a rotating system, scale analysis and solution of simplified equations: geostrophic, inertial, cyclostrofic and gradient flows. Continuity equation. Large scale motion: ageostrophic wind and vertical motion, cyclonic and anticyclonic circulation and meteorological charts. Barotropic/baroclinic atmosphere and thermal wind.
(6) Radiative processes: electromagnetic spectrum, black body radiation laws, 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.
(7) Introduction to the general circulation of the atmosphere.
(8) Introduction to numerical weather prediction models.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics (in particular classical mechanics, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics).
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures. The practical classes will include in-class exercises, where the students will deepen some of the topics presented during the lessons, by working individually or in small groups, and possibly a field trip to visit measurement sites.
Teaching Resources
- Lecture slides and lecture notes uploaded on myAriel
- 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 consists of an oral exam that aims at evaluating the acquired knowledge and at testing the ability to apply it to case studies concerning the main topics covered in the course unit. The student may begin with a brief literature review, concerning a scientific paper selected by the students and previously approved by the teachers, or with an oral presentation of a topic of interest within the syllabus. The ability to summarize, to present clearly and accurately, as well as the use of appropriate scientific language, will be evaluated.
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
Professor(s)