Atmospheric Physics

Contents:

1. Introduction

Importance of meteorology and in aviation and space missions.

Definition, structure and composition of the planetary atmospheres.

Temperature, pressure, density: vertical profiles.

2. Thermal equilibrium of the planetary atmospheres

Black bodies: Wien, Stephan-Boltzman equations.

Solar radiation. Solar constant.

The greenhouse effect in planetary atmospheres.

3. Stability and atmospheric dynamics

Stability and vertical movements. Potential temperature.

Atmospheric boundary layer.

Horizontal air movements at different scales.

Driving forces. Geostrophic and gradient winds.

4. Water in the Earth atmosphere: humidity, clouds and precipitation

Water vapor in the Earth atmosphere: pressure, condensation. Definitions of humidity.

Stability of the saturated air. Cloud formation and classification.

Precipitation. Types of precipitation.

5. General circulation and synoptic meteorology

General circulation of planetary atmospheres.

Air masses and fronts: types, associated precipitation.

6. Meteorological hazards and information for aviation

Visibility, icing, turbulence, CAT, thunderstorms.

Bulletins: METAR, SPECI, TAF, SIGMET.

Significant weather maps at different levels.

Flight plans.

Evaluation system: Coming soon