PHYS418-12S2 (C) Semester Two 2012
Physics of Atmospheres

Description

This course will have two sections, the first section (taught by Prof. Baggaley) will focus on discussing fundamental properties of the atmospheric system and some of the important processes that occur in the atmosphere. Material to be covered will include:

Neutral atmosphere: Temperature structure of the atmosphere, atmospheric gases and their distribution, Interaction of solar radiation with atmospheric constituents, Stratospheric ozone and Urban air pollution.

Ionized atmosphere and interactions with the Sun: the ionosphere, diffusion of a plasma, temperatures of ions and electrons.

Space weather: the geomagnetic field, weak plasma behaviour, the Earth’s magnetosphere, Solar wind particles influence on the Earth, Motion of particles in the magnetosphere and the aurora.


The second section will examine climate variability and how different processes impact the climate (taught by Dr. McDonald). We will complete three out of the four topics identified below in this section.

Chaos and Atmospheric predictability (compulsory): A discussion of the chaos and the chaotic nature of the climate system with an emphasis on the impacts of this nature on weather and climate prediction. The Lorenz equations and their solutions will be discussed in detail.

Internal Modes of Climate Variability (optional): A discussion of the role of El Nino Southern Oscillation and the Northern and Southern Annular Modes on Southern hemisphere climate.

Solar variability and its impacts (optional): This topic will discuss the influence of solar variability on the atmosphere and examine the set of direct and indirect mechanisms, such as variations in total solar irradiance and energetic particles perturbing the chemistry of the atmosphere.

The impact of Man-made Ozone Depletion on Southern hemisphere surface climate (optional): This topic will focus on the evidence for stratospheric ozone depletion impacting surface climate and discuss the complicated set of interactions that potentially link changes in the stratosphere to variations in surface climate.

Pre-requisites

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Additional Course Outline Information

Assessment and grading system

Marks and Grades
The Department uses the following scale to covert marks into grades:
100 – 90 A+ 65 – 69.9 B-
85 – 89.9 A 60 – 64.9 C+
80 – 84.9 A- 55 – 59.9 C
75 – 79.9 B+ 50 – 54.9 C-
70 – 74.9 B Below 50 D/E
The Department reserves the right to adjust this mark/grade conversion. This will occur only when deemed necessary and such adjustments will not be made to the detriment of a student’s grade.

Grade moderation

Reconsideration of  in-term test marks and final Grades
For in-term tests students should, in the first instance, speak to the course co-ordinator about their grades.  If they cannot reach an agreeable solution, students should then speak to the Head of the  Department (Prof. Roger Reeves, roger.reeves@canterbury.ac.nz). For final grades students can appeal any decision made. You can apply at the Registry to appeal within 4 weeks of the end of the semester. Be aware that there are time limits for each step of the appeals process.  

Aegrotat Applications
If you feel that illness, injury, bereavement or other critical circumstances has prevented you from completing an item of assessment or affected your performance, you should complete an aegrotat application form, available from the Registry or the Student Health and Counselling Service.  This should be within seven days of the due date for the required work or the date of the examination.  In the case of illness or injury, medical consultation should normally have taken place shortly before or within 24 hours after the due date for the required work, or the date of the test or examination.  For further details on aegrotat applications, please refer to the Enrolment Handbook.  You have the right to appeal any decision made, including aegrotat decisions.  

Missing of Tests
In rare cases a student will not be able to sit a test.  In such cases, the student should consult with the course co-ordinator to the Head of Department to arrange alternative procedures.   This must be done well in advance of the set date for the test.

Late submission of work

Late work will not be accepted more than 2 days past the deadline. All late work less than two days late will be marked and 10% of the total mark will be subtracted.

For further information see Physics and Astronomy.