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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Earth Sciences

625-361 The Physics of Weather and Radiation

Credit Points:

25.0

Coordinator:

Dr R C Lile

Prerequisite/s:

625-226 and 625-227

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

39 lectures and 66 hours of practical work

Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should:

  • have an understanding of the physical processes underlying weather and the role played by atmospheric radiation.

Content:

Atmospheric thermodynamics. State variables. Dry and moist adiabatic processes. Thermodynamic diagrams. Potential, internal and available energies. Cloud physics. Classification and dynamics of clouds. Growth of cloud droplets and ice crystals. Precipitation mechanisms. Meteorological optics: reflection, refraction and diffusion of light in the atmosphere. Principles of emission and absorption of radiation. The source and nature of solar and terrestrial radiation. Absorption and scattering by planetary atmospheres. Application of sun photometry. Radiative transfer theory and models. The radiative effect of clouds. Application of radiative transfer to remote sensing.

Assessment:

Prescribed problem sheets; instrumental and observational practical work; a 3-hour written examination.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Earth Sciences 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.