Physics of the atmosphere

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.

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