Atmospheric composition and cycles
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Knowledge on atmospheric composition and chemistry is at the basis of understanding air quality, atmospheric oxidation capacity and climate. The module “Atmospheric compositions and cycles” encompasses the description and understanding of the fundamental chemical and physical processes that govern air pollution by trace gases and aerosols and the self-cleansing of the atmosphere. It is also concerned with radiative properties of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols, which are crucial for Earth’s climate.
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To this end, it examines atmosphere processes at various altitudes from the boundary layer to the upper stratosphere, spanning scales from molecular to global. In combination with extreme weather events, air pollution plays a role in environmental risk assessment.
The module can be optimally combined with several of the other modules. Alternatively, students may choose individual courses from this module as optional contributions in their curriculum.
Objectives
Students will
- acquire detailed knowledge on trace gases, aerosols and clouds, with focus of their impact on air quality, health and climate;
- become able to judge how these properties and processes are influenced by human activity;
- acquire abilities to carefully judge environmental quality and change related to atmospheric composition for application in medium to high level professional activities in public offices or private firms;
- receive a professional training with respect to abilities required for participation in a PhD program.
Students will acquire detailed knowledge on trace gases, aerosols and clouds and on how these determine the chemical and radiative properties of the atmosphere. They will quantitatively understand important chemical and microphysical processes and their influence on the composition of the various layers of the Earth's atmosphere (boundary layer, free troposphere, stratosphere). They will become able to judge how these properties and processes are influenced by human activity.
Module course list
Autumn semester
Spring semester
* Boundary Layer Meteorology and Air Pollution Modeling: Part II will no longer take place in FS2013 (merged with 651-4053-05L in HS2012)
Recommendations for the optional courses block
