MT24B-Atmospheric Physics

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: MT11D Weather and Climate Fundamentals
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Chris Westbrook
Email: c.d.westbrook@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The fundamental processes in cloud physics and atmospheric radiative transfer.

Aims:

To provide the student with an understanding of the physical processes that interact with dynamics in weather systems and climate, emphasising clouds and radiative transfer.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, the student should be able to: Describe and explain the formation of cloud particles on aerosol particles, the glaciation process, and the development of precipitation , and have an appreciation of how these processes are represented in numerical weather prediction models. Quantitatively describe the radiation field in the atmosphere and the bulk properties of the atmosphere that determine the interaction with the radiation field, and describe and calculate scattering, absorption and emission of radiation by atmospheric gases and particles. Explain the origin of rainbows and the visual appearance of clouds.

Additional outcomes:
The student will be able to look at the sky with enhanced appreciation.

Outline content:

Lecture contents:

Water vapour and aerosols in the atmosphere; nucleation and growth of cloud droplets, the mechanisms of cloud glaciation, development of precipitation as rain, snow, graupel and hail, and their representation in forecasting models; electrification of storms, orographic enhancement of precipitation and weather modification; definition of basic radiation quantities, solar and thermal infrared emission of radiation, introduction to scattering and absorption, single and multiple scattering, spectroscopy, and absorption and emission of radiation, the radiative transfer equation and heating rates.

Demonstration content:

Single vs multiple scattering.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Cloud topics are covered in spring term, Radiation topics in the autumn. 19 hours of lectures in each term. In the spring there will be a weekly problem class with formative exercises. In the autumn problem solving exercise are either free standing or incorporated within lectures.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	19
Tutorials	10	9
Guided independent study:	80	72
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework will comprise of approximately 4 assignments.

Formative assessment methods:

Nine formative problem classes in spring term. One non-assessed problem sheet in the autumn term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit examination.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023