Atmospheric Thermodynamics
SO345
(3-2-4)
Course Coordinator (2013-2014): Prof. Gina Henderson
1. Text: An Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics (Anastasios A. Tsonis)
2. Prerequisites: SO271, SO272
3. Objectives:
a. Understand the basic thermodynamic processes of dry air
b. Understand role of water as an atmospheric constituent
c. Understand the thermal structure of the atmosphere, using conventional and
remotely sensed meteorological observations
d. Understand the physical principles of atmospheric stability and the mechanisms
which maintain it
4. Course Content:
a. Mathematical relationships review
b.
c.
d.
e.
Basic Gas Laws
Laws of Thermodynamics
Atmospheric Equations
Introduction to Thermodynamic diagrams
5. Acquired knowledge – Upon completion the student will be able to:
a. Describe the integration of theoretical and practical aspects of the physics of the
atmosphere
b.
c.
d.
e.
Explain the basic Laws of Thermodynamics
Understand the properties of moist air and its role in atmospheric processes
Use the Skew-T Log-P Diagram to understand atmospheric dynamics
Discuss how thermodynamics applies to weather forecasting
Updated 26 July 2013