| Physical Meteorology (Paper-Based) |
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| Overview: |
| Gain an understanding of the physics of the atmosphere: how the sun¿s energy is transformed and utilized. The atmosphere serves as the laboratory for the application of basic principles of physics. The course covers basic cloud processes and radiation transfer, which are fundamental to the existence of life on earth. This course has been approved by the American Meteorological Society for satisfying their core requirements. Part of the Meteorology Certificate Program.
In this independent study paper-based course, you submit assignments to an instructor, who grades them and gives you feedback. Textbooks must be purchased separately. Take up to one year to complete. |
| Who Should Attend? |
| Employees now working in the field who desire to pursue the field of meteorology as a profession or meteorologists who are seeking certification in the field through the American Meteorological Society. |
| Prerequisites: |
| Calculus, physics and Introduction to Meteorology (METO1160C). |
| Additional Information: |
| Order textbooks from Specialty Books. Select subject area Meteorology, then select course. |
| Syllabus: |
Syllabus -- Physical Meteorology, METO2260C, Grad. School, USDA
Required Textbooks:
Order textbooks from Specialty Books
Description
The atmosphere serves as the laboratory for the application of basic principles of physics. Physical Meteorology covers basic cloud processes and radiation transfer, which are fundamental to the existence of life on earth. Topics include gravitational effects, atmospheric gases, physical processes in the atmosphere, atmospheric electricity, law of radiation physics, solar radiation, terrestrial radiation, radiation balance of the earth, and special topics including atmospheric optics, effect of meteorology on air pollution and global climate.
Prerequisites
Calculus, General Physics and Introduction to Meteorology
Contents
- Lesson 1: Gravitational Effects
- Lesson 2: Properties of Atmospheric Gases
- Lesson 3: Physical Processes in the Atmospheric
- Lesson 4: Atmospheric Electricity
- Lesson 5: Laws of Radiation Physics
- Lesson 6: Solar Radiation
- Lesson 7: Terrestrial Radiation
- Lesson 8: Radiation Balance of the Earth
- Lesson 9: Special Topics
- Lesson 10: Global Climate
- Request for Final Examination
Objectives:
- Lesson 1: Explain the Earth's gravitational field, the force of gravity and other forces that initiate and govern air circulation. Describe geopotential and the hydrostatic equation.
- Lesson 2: Describe the properties of atmospheric gases and thermodynamic principles that explain heat and energy transfer in the atmosphere.
- Lesson 3: Understand the basic properties and behavior of cloud particles, including growth of droplets by condensation and coalescence on atmospheric nuclei, and the fundamental characteristics of phase change.
- Lesson 4: Describe the basic elementary principles of electricity, conductivity, charge generation and lightning discharge.
- Lesson 5: Understand the definitions and concepts of radiation physics, including absorptivity, emissivity and black-body radiation.
- Lesson 6: Explain the importance of the sun, the solar constant, and short-wave radiation as well as the distribution of solar energy intercepted by the Earth.
- Lesson 7: Describe the essential characteristics of terrestrial radiation, the atmospheric effect, and the transfer of long-wave radiation through the Earth-atmosphere system.
- Lesson 8: Describe the imbalances in radiational heating and cooling, and the response of the atmosphere to redistribute these imbalances resulting in Earth's weather.
- Lesson 9: Understand unique photochemical processes, atmospheric optic and air pollutants which affect meteorological conditions.
- Lesson 10: Describe how variations in solar energy, trends in greenhouse gas concentrations and atmospheric aerosols influence global climate.
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