Department of Physics

10ΕΚΑ03 Introduction to Atmospheric Physics

Course webpage:  https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/PHYS232

Course outline

Course content

• Composition and structure of the atmosphere.
• Atmospheric thermodynamics. Application of the laws of ideal gases in the atmosphere. Thermodynamic laws and application in the atmosphere. Clausius–Clapeyron equation. Thermodynamic variations of air masses.
• Physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere. Depletion of stratospheric ozone.
• Balance of four cycles: Radiation balance, water vapour balance, energy balance, atmospheric motion. Equations of motion. Continuity equation. Energy equation.
• Nature and characteristics of solar radiation, Earth radiation and atmospheric radiation. Spectrum signature.
• Basic principles and transmission mechanisms of electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere. Reflection, absorption, scattering, emission.
• Radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface.  Green house phenomenon.
• Forces exerting in the atmosphere. Winds.
• Planetary scale motion: Hadley cell, Ferrel cell, polar cell.
• Laboratory experiments: Long- and short-wavelength radiation. Air temperature and humidity. Surface wind. Vertical thermal and moisture profile of the atmosphere and static stability. Thermodynamic diagrams.