EOS 895. Introduction to Atmospheric Science
A review of basic atmospheric physics and physical chemistry. This
course provides a broad introduction to the physical principles
governing the behavior of the Earth's atmosphere. The course covers the
fundamentals, i.e., thermal structure and composition, air masses and
fronts, environmental radiation, atmospheric thermo-dynamics, and
atmospheric fluid dynamics, that are needed to understand weather,
large-scale motions of the atmosphere, climatology, and climate change,
and the linkages of these phenomenon with the global environment. 3 cr.
EOS 815. Global Atmospheric Chemistry
Introduction to the principles of atmospheric chemistry and their
relationship to biogeochemical cycles, climate, and global change.
Focus is on understanding the basic physical and chemical processes
that determine the trace gas distribution in the global troposphere. An
introduction to atmospheric vertical structure and global circulations
provides the foundation. Chemical cycles of important C, S, and N
molecules are examined, including their possible perturbation by human
activities. Basic photochemical processes are outlined, particularly
with respect to reactive nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and the
production/destruction of ozone. Prereq: one year college chemistry.
(Also offered as ESCI 815.) 3 cr.
EOS 816. Atmospheric Aerosol and Precipitation Chemistry
Description and examination of the processes determining the chemical
and physical characteristics of atmospheric aerosol particles and
precipitation. Important foci include the role of aerosol particles in
the long-range transport and deposition of geochemical materials,
optical properties of these particles and their impact on the global
radiative balance, cloud microphysical processes relevant to both
radiative effects and precipitation scavenging, and heterogeneous
reactions at the solid-liquid solid-gas and liquid-gas interfaces in
the atmosphere. Major segments of the course are devoted to the removal
of gases and particles from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition
processes. Most attention will be paid to processes active in the
troposphere, but important differences between the troposphere and
stratosphere, radiative effects of stratospheric aerosol particles, and
exchange between the troposphere and stratosphere addressed. Prereq:
one year college chemistry or permission. (Also offered as ESCI 816.) 3
cr.
EOS 895. Measurement Techniques in Atmospheric Chemistry
This course provides an overview of contemporary instrumental methods
used in atmospheric chemistry and biogeochemical research. Techniques
covered include: UV absorption, chemiluminescence, gas chromatography,
mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, aerosol scattering and
absorption, and lidar methods. Significant time is devoted to computer
control and acquisition of electronic signals, sampling inlet designs,
and various calibration processes. The lectures are augmented by a
hands-on laboratory component where students set-up, operate, and
collect actual field data using National Instruments hardware and
software. Prereq: EOS 815. 3 cr.
EOS 867, NR 867, ESCI 895. Earth System Science
This course provides an introduction to the study of Earth as an
integrated system. We will introduce the major components, interactions,
and concepts for characterizing the contemporary Earth System (e.g. spheres,
cycles, energy balance, equilibrium, feedbacks, linear and non-linear
dynamics). Each lecture will build on background information to address
advanced themes from recent scientific literature (e.g. multiple dynamic
interactions, the 'Butterfly Effect', thresholds in metastable systems),
and will include opportunities for class participation through group problem
solving exercises and discussions. Research scientists from NASA who work in
the field of Earth System Science will present guest lectures. Labs will
focus on building computer models of key Earth System interactions discussed
in the lectures. During the second part of the course, students will develop
their own computer models to explore a specific question in Earth System
Science. Prereq: Calculus I and instructor permission. 4 cr.
EOS 995. Regional Air Quality
A review of measurement programs focused on examining air quality in
various regions of the globe with particular emphasis on New England.
Sources of data will be identified from measurement campaigns, emission
inventories, and meteorological information required for interpretation
of atmospheric observations of chemistry and dynamics on a regional
scale. An important component will be identification of the
uncertainties associated with each of these databases. Particular
emphasis will be placed on quantitative analysis of photochemical,
radiative, and heterogeneous processes influencing atmospheric
chemistry. A primary goal of the course is a rigorous introduction to
the modeling of atmospheric emissions, dynamics, and photochemistry and
their application to regional studies. Prereq: EOS 815. 3 cr.
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