2023
Earth and Atmospheric Physics
Name: Earth and Atmospheric Physics
Code: FIS10340M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Physics
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: B-learning
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Know the physical properties, the dynamics and the structure of the planet Earth and its atmosphere, taking into account the space where it is located and the influence exerted by other bodies, namely the Sun and Moon. The study will provide knowledge of applied physics to the study of planet Earth through seismology, geomagnetism, gravimetry and heat flux.
Know the most relevant physical concepts for understanding the phenomenology of the Earth and the atmosphere, including the mechanisms of radiation transfer in the atmosphere; the thermodynamics of air and atmospheric circulations.
Apply the acquired knowledge in the interpretation of various Earth and atmospheric phenomena and in the resolution of practical problems.
Encourage the ability to use information technologies, carry out bibliographic research and communicate scientific ideas and knowledge.
Know the most relevant physical concepts for understanding the phenomenology of the Earth and the atmosphere, including the mechanisms of radiation transfer in the atmosphere; the thermodynamics of air and atmospheric circulations.
Apply the acquired knowledge in the interpretation of various Earth and atmospheric phenomena and in the resolution of practical problems.
Encourage the ability to use information technologies, carry out bibliographic research and communicate scientific ideas and knowledge.
Contents
The shape of the Earth and the gravity field .
Introduction to Seismology.
Some comments about geophysical prospection.
Geomagnetism.
Introduction to paleomagnetism.
Introduction to the study of the heat flow from the Earth.
Composition and structure of the Earth's atmosphere.
Thermodynamics of the atmosphere: thermodynamic characteristics of dry and moist air. Thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere. Formation of dew, frost, fog and clouds. Statics of the atmosphere. The hydrostatic equation. Atmospheric stability. Clouds and precipitation.
Radiation: Earth radiation budget. Physical radiation laws of the blackbody. Radiation transmission in the atmosphere. Absorption. Emission and scattering. Radiative transfer equation. Greenhouse Effect. Aerosol effects. Radiative forcing.
Atmospheric dynamics: Fundamental forces in the atmosphere. Equations of fluid motion. The general
circulation of the atmosphere.
Introduction to Seismology.
Some comments about geophysical prospection.
Geomagnetism.
Introduction to paleomagnetism.
Introduction to the study of the heat flow from the Earth.
Composition and structure of the Earth's atmosphere.
Thermodynamics of the atmosphere: thermodynamic characteristics of dry and moist air. Thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere. Formation of dew, frost, fog and clouds. Statics of the atmosphere. The hydrostatic equation. Atmospheric stability. Clouds and precipitation.
Radiation: Earth radiation budget. Physical radiation laws of the blackbody. Radiation transmission in the atmosphere. Absorption. Emission and scattering. Radiative transfer equation. Greenhouse Effect. Aerosol effects. Radiative forcing.
Atmospheric dynamics: Fundamental forces in the atmosphere. Equations of fluid motion. The general
circulation of the atmosphere.
Teaching Methods
Teaching comprises theoretical, theoretical-practical lessons and tutorial guidance.
Lectures, using computer resources, includ the mathematical formalism necessary to understand the phenomena.
Theoretical-practical classes for solving problems and testing some common diagrams in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
The course is divided into two modules: Earth Physics and Atmospheric Physics
In each module the evaluation method is as follows:
Continuous evaluation based on small tests (problem solving), 20-30% and a final test (80-70%)
Alternative of final evaluation based on final exam (100%)
The final grade in the curricular unit is equal to the arithmetic average of the grades obtained in each of the modules.
Lectures, using computer resources, includ the mathematical formalism necessary to understand the phenomena.
Theoretical-practical classes for solving problems and testing some common diagrams in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
The course is divided into two modules: Earth Physics and Atmospheric Physics
In each module the evaluation method is as follows:
Continuous evaluation based on small tests (problem solving), 20-30% and a final test (80-70%)
Alternative of final evaluation based on final exam (100%)
The final grade in the curricular unit is equal to the arithmetic average of the grades obtained in each of the modules.
Teaching Staff
- Maria João Tavares da Costa
- Maria Rosa Alves Duque [responsible]
