Time: M/W/F 11:00-11:50 am

Location: Duane G-1B27

Instructor: Darin Toohey, Stadium 191, 735-0002, toohey@colorado.edu

Office Hours: M/W/F 10:00-10:50 am

Text: Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey, J.M. Wallace and P.V. Hobbs, 1977

Web Page: http://paos.colorado.edu/~toohey/ATOC5710.html

Prerequisites: One year of calculus and one year of physics with calculus

Summary: An understanding of the physics of the earth's atmosphere is important to a number of earth science disciplines, including meteorology and the study of climate and potential change due to anthropogenic activities. Complex numerical models that include basic atmospheric physics are the foundation of forecasts of daily weather and assessments of the impact of human activities on the global environment. Similarly, political strategies to remediate air pollution rely on accurate knowledge of local and regional atmospheric structure and dynamics. This course, the first in a sequence, will introduce the principles of thermodynamics, cloud microphysics, and radiative transfer as they apply to the earth's atmosphere. We will first use these principles to describe the structure and stability of the atmosphere, the distribution of temperature and pressure, and the formation of different types of clouds. We will then examine the earth's radiation budget and the effects of trace gases, aerosols, and clouds on climate.

Grading: Grades will be based on homework (40%), two midterms (15% each), and a final (30%). Homework will be assigned approximately every other week and will be due one week later. Because answers will be put on the web shortly after each assignment is due, late homework will receive partial credit. You are encouraged to discuss the homeworks, but what you turn in should be your own work. An advanced problem will be assigned for those taking 5710 (4710 students will receive extra credit for doing these problems). The midterms will emphasize new material and the final will cover new material as well as review material from the first two midterms.

Class Format: Lectures will include presentation of new material, some problem solving sessions, and reviews.