Course Description
An introduction to atmospheric thermodynamics with emphasis on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, equation of state for gases, moisture variables, adiabatic and diabatic processes of dry and moist air, phase changes of water, and atmospheric statics.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Students will be required to submit an additional literature review and/or research project related to atmospheric thermodynamics. Possible research projects or literature review topics include: global energy balance, entropy in the atmosphere, cloud formation impacts on global temperature patterns, atmospheric energetics, and severe storms thermodynamics. Graduate students will have to review a journal article as part of their exam.
Athena Title
Atmospheric Thermodynamics
Prerequisite
(MATH 2270 or MATH 2270H) and (PHYS 1212-1212L or PHYS 1312-1312L or PHYS 1252)
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
(MATH 2500 or MATH 2500E) and (CHEM 1210 or CHEM 1210E or CHEM 1211 or CHEM 1311H or CHEM 1411)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is designed to meet the atmospheric thermodynamics course requirement for civil service employment as an atmospheric scientist. It is a required course for the undergraduate major in Atmospheric Sciences. 1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and use of the first and second laws of thermodynamics in common atmospheric phenomena. 2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the equation of state and its use in the atmosphere. 3. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and use of atmospheric moisture variables. 4. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the adiabatic and diabatic processes in the atmosphere. 5. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of phase changes of water and the impact on the atmosphere. 6. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of atmospheric statics, the use of thermodynamic diagrams, and weather phenomenon. Graduate students will become familiar with recent research in atmospheric thermodynamics and produce a literature review on an atmospheric thermodynamics topic.
Topical Outline
Atmospheric Composition and Structure Thermodynamic Systems and Variables Physical Properties of Air Atmospheric Pressure First Law of Thermodynamics and Its Consequences Second Law of Thermodynamics and Its Consequences Moist Processes Atmospheric Stability
Syllabus