MTMG02-Atmospheric Physics

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Maarten Ambaum
Email: m.h.p.ambaum@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
In this module we will cover thermal physics as applicable to the atmosphere. We will cover phase transitions, cloud formation, radiation, vertical stability, and related topics in atmospheric science.

Aims:

To present thermodynamics relevant to the atmosphere and its applicationsÌýto the vertical structure of the atmosphere,Ìýcloud drop formation, andÌýradiation in the climate system.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module students should be able to:Ìýunderstand and apply relevant thermodynamic laws and perform calculations applicable to problems of atmospheric thermal physics, includingÌýthe role of water in all its phases,Ìýgravity and the vertical structure of the atmosphere,Ìýdroplet and cloud formation,Ìýradiative processes and the greenhouse effect.

Additional outcomes:
Students will become equipped to tackle more specialized subjects in atmospheric science. They will get a good idea of typical values of important quantities in the atmosphere. They will improve their skills in scientific thinking, problem solving, and use of mathematics to analyze physical systems.

Outline content:

1. Ideal gases


2. Thermodynamics and its applications


3. Gravity and vertical structure of the atmosphere


4. Cloud drop formation


5. Radiation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and problem solving tutorials. The course will be based on the book Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere by M. H. P. Ambaum, Wiley-Blackwell Publishers, 240pp. (ISBN: 978-0-470-74515-1)

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

3 hour exam with a choice of two from three questions in January.

Formative assessment methods:

Problem classes in guided tutorials withÌýindividual feedback from teaching assistants.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: