GEO 537 Atmospheric Chemistry and Transport
This page is an introduction and learning tool for GEO537 Atmospheric Chemistry
- Please note that this course was developed in the spring of 1996 when
one of us [Dr. Levy] was a Visiting Professor at the University of Iowa 52:195;53:195
Therefore remants of that incarnation still exist, though they are being
removed. Lecture Notes developed during this spring's course will be added
this summer.
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Goals:
- Develop a broad quantitative understanding of the chemical and physical
processes that control the chemistry of our earth's atmosphere
- Examine in detail the atmospheric chemical processes that play a key role
in issues of pollution and global change ranging from stratospheric ozone
depletion to regional and global modification of the biosphere.
- Develop an ensemble of numerical models that may be used for future studies
in atmospheric chemistry.
Structure:
- Lectures [time and place to be determined] and one computer based problem
session [time and place to be determined] each week.
- Recommended reading will be taken from Chemistry of the Atmosphere [2nd
edition paperback] by R.P. Wayne, Aeronomy of the Middle Atmospheres [2nd
edition paperback] by G. Brasseur and S. Solomon, and a number of articles
from recent reports and reviews.
- The computer model development work will take place either individually
or in small groups, depending on student preference, class size and the
availability of computer resources.
- The course will culminate in individual or small group special projects,
chosen by the students in consultations with Dr. Perliski and Dr. Levy.
Course Outline:
- The course will start with a brief review/introduction to atmospheric structure,
solar radiation and transmission, photochemistry and the Chapman mechanism
for stratospheric ozone, and will be accompanied by the development of a
simple atmospheric photochemical model.
- We will then discuss the natural gas-phase chemistry needed to realistically
simulate stratospheric ozone.
- Gas-phase and heterogeneous reactions of the polluted stratosphere will
then be added, with the attendant expansion of the numerical models, and
consideration of special projects will begin.
- We will then examine the simplified 2-dimensional transport in the stratosphere
and the exchange between it and the troposphere.
- The existing stratospheric photochemical models will be expanded to study
the oxidative state of the troposphere.
- The dominant features of tropospheric transport, ranging from convection
to the planetary-scale advection, will then be discussed.
- The biogeochemical cycles relevant to the chemical reactivity of the atmosphere,
as well as the greenhouse effect will be considered, if time is available.
- The final week or two will be devoted to the individual or small group projects
and reports on those topics.
Other Course Information:
Important documents will be posted here for download.
Lecture Notes
- Lecture 1 (9/12/96)
- Lecture 2 (9/16/96)
Assignments/Solutions
- Problem Session 1 (9/12/96)
- Problem Session 2 (9/24/96)
- Problem Session 3(9/30/96)
- Problem Session 4 (10/7/96)
- Problem Session 5 (11/4/96)
- Problem Session 6 (11/17/96)
- Problem Session 7 (11/22/96)
Throughout the semester, assignments and solutions will be displayed here.
Grading:
A major portion of the grade will depend on the computer modelling exercises
and the individual or small-group projects. The question of an exams or
exams will be discussed with those taking the course for grade. There will
be no final exam, unless there is overwhelming demand from the class.
Important information will be posted here. Check this regularly to keep
up with class announcments.
Created by James Durchenwald--jdurchen@icaen.uiowa.edu
Revised 1/17/96