Unit name | Atmospheric Processes |
---|---|
Unit code | EASC20027 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Nick Teanby |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Successful completion of the mandatory year 1 units of an Environmental Geoscience, Geophysics, Geology and Biology or Palaeontology and Evolution programme at Bristol. |
Co-requisites |
n/a |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Earth's atmosphere comprises a thin layer of gravitationally bound gas and is all that separates us from the harsh environment of outer space. It is a complex system affected by many interacting physical, chemical, and biological processes. This unit investigates fundamental physical and chemical processes that determine atmospheric composition and structure, including techniques developed to measure them. It aims to provide a well rounded understanding of the key processes involved, gradually building up into a description of the complete atmosphere/climate system. It then moves on to consider the global climate system and climate change, including key ocean-atmosphere interactions and climate feedbacks. The techniques learnt will be used to explore the role of global feedback mechanisms and climate change. The course will also explore how these fundamental processes apply to other planets in our solar system.
On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:
Lectures and practicals
The unit will be assessed by a closed 2-hour examination, which will cover concepts covered in the lectures and practicals.
Most of the course material will be covered by these introductory textbooks:
Essential
Recommended
Further reading: more in-depth treatment of various topics, and alternative explanations, can be found in:
Lecture notes and other course materials will be made available via Blackboard.