Meteorology 341 - Fall 2008
Atmospheric Physics I
http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/classes/mt341
Instructor: Xiaoqing Wu
wuxq@iastate.edu, 3011 Agronomy, 294-9872 [tel] 294-2619 [fax]
Meeting time and place: MWF 9am-9:50am, G541 Agronomy Hall
Office hours: MW 10am - 11am
Course Objectives
This course will cover atmospheric thermodynamics and
hydrostatics, with emphasis on understanding the basic concepts and
physical processes. Cloud physics will be briefly introduced in
the last week of the semester and further discussion will be continued
in Mteor 342. Building a solid foundation in physical principles and
developing self-learning and thinking skills are the goals.
Course Design
Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate actively
in the learning process. As in any professional organization, absences
should be justified and promptness is standard procedure. Your homework
should be done with pride and submitted on time. The policy for late
assignments is stated below.
Textbooks
- Salby, M., 1996: Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics. Academic Press.
- Roger, R.R., and M.K. Yau, 1989: A Short Course in Cloud Physics. Third Edition, Pergamon Press.
References
- Petty, G.W., 2008: A First Course in Atmospheric Thermodynamics. First Edition, Sundog Publishing.
- Iribarne, J.V., and W.L. Godson, 1981: Atmospheric Thermodynamics. Second Edition, Reidel Publishing.
- Wallace, J., and P. Hobbs, 1977: Atmospheric Science. Academic Press.
Homeworks
- I will assign homework for each chapter.
- Homework will be due one week after it is assigned.
- Each person must hand in his or her own solutions although you are encouraged to interact with your
classmates to understand the basis of each problem.
- Homework that is late will receive 1/2 credit, no credit after a week.
Exams
There will be a midterm exam plus a comprehensive final.
Approximate dates are Week 9 and Final Week,
but are subject to change.
Grading
- Homeworks: 20%; Midterm Exam: 35%; Final: 45%
The course grade is determined in part by how students do with respect to each
other and how the class as a whole has done. This gives a starting
point for assessing what each student has demonstrated with regard to
his/her understanding of the material.
Course Outline
1. Introduction
2. Basic Concepts of Thermodynamics
- Properties
- Expansion Work
- Heat Transfer
- State Variables
- Equation of State for Idea Gases/Dry Air
3. The First law
- Internal Energy
- Enthalpy
- Heat Capacity
- Adiabatic Processes/Potential Temperature
- Diabatic Processes
4. The Second law
- Reversible and Irreversible Processes
- Entropy
- Maxwell Relations
- Thermodynamic Equilibrium
- Relationship of Entropy to Potential Temperature
5. Heterogeneous Systems
- Description
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Fundamental Relations and Degrees of Freedom
- Thermodynamic Characteristics of Water
- Equilibrium Phase Transition
- Latent Heat
- Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
Midterm Exam
6. Moist Air
- Equation of State for Water Vapor
- Implications for the Distribution of Water Vapor
- State Variables for the Two-Component System
- Thermodynamic Behavior Accompanying Vertical Motion
- The Pseudo-Adiabatic Chart
7. Hydrostatic Equilibrium
- Geopotential Height
- Hydrostatic Balance
- Stratification and its Lagrangian Interpretation
8. Hydrostatic Stability
- Stability Categories
- Implications for Vertical Motion
- Finite Displacements
9. Cloud Physics
- Observed Properties of Clouds
- Formation of Cloud Drops
- The Physics of Condensation
Final Exam
Students Needing Disability Accommodation
Iowa State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities
Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Please address any
special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of
the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. Those
seeking accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student
Academic Accommodations Request (SAAR) form from the Disabilities
Resources (DR) office (515-294-6624), located on the main floor of the
Student Services Building, Room 1076.