Courses Catalogue

Syllabus of the course: Introduction to Atmospheric Physics

In this web page we provide the syllabus of the course Introduction to Atmospheric Physics, offered by the Department of Physics.
The list of the courses offered during the current accademic year is available here.
The list of all courses offered by the Department of Physics is available here.

Code	Φ-334
Type	C
ECTS	6
Hours	4
Semester	Spring
Instructor	Ch. Haldoupis
Program	Wednesday, 15:00-17:00, Amphitheater Β Friday, 13:00-15:00, Amphitheater Β
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Goal of the course	This is an introductory course in Atmospheric Physics that focuses on basic physical concepts and principles required for understanding basic topics of atmopsheric physics. It is an optional cource aiming at students interested to pursue graduare studies in atmospheric sciences. Also it is useful to those who plan to work as high school teachers as it will provide them with the necessary knowledge needed to explain qualitatively basic physical phenomena observed in the atmosphere of our planet.
Syllabus	A general description of the earth’s atmosphere, evolution, regions, key physical principles, and terminology. Effects of gravity on a static atmosphere, hydrostatic equation and applications. Elements of atmospheric thermodynamics, application of 1st law of thermodynamics in atmospheric changes, condensation processes, cooling, adiabatic expansion with and without condensation, mixing and vertical stability. Elements of cloud physics, condensation principles, basic theory of cloud and rain drop growth. Basics of atmospheric electricity, atmospheric conductivity and electric fields, thunderstorm electricity and lightning. Principles of atmospheric dynamics, principal forces, equations of motion and continuity, large scale circulation systems, geostrophic, gradient and thermal winds, description of the general atmospheric circulation, cyclonic and anticyclonic weather systems, air masses and fronts. Elements of radiation in the atmosphere, black body radiation principles, solar radiation, absorption of solar radiation, stratospheric ozone, photochemistry of the ionosphere, ionospheric regions, Chapman profile, terrestrial radiation, carbon dioxide and the greenhouse effect, global energy balance.
Bibliography	1. An Introduction to Atmospheric Physics (detailed text book in Greek), C. Haldoupis, University of Crete, Heraklion, 2000 2. Atmospheric science, An Introductory survey, by J. M. Wallace and P. V. Hobbs, Academic Press. 2nd edition 2006 3. Atmospheric Physics, by J. V. Iribarne and H.-R. Cho, D. Reidel Publishing company, 1980 4. An introduction to Atmospheric Physics, Fleagle and Bussinger, Academic Press, 1980.