70547 - Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired an advanced understanding of experimental techniques employed for the ‘in-situ’ measurement of key atmospheric variables.
The course covers both conventional sensors used in operational meteorology and advanced instruments employed in atmospheric physics research. Students will develop a thorough comprehension of the physical principles underlying each measurement technique, along with their respective advantages and limitations.

In cases where multiple methods are available for measuring the same atmospheric parameter, students will be equipped with the critical judgment required to identify the most appropriate technique based on the specific experimental context.

Furthermore, students will be able to compare and validate measurements obtained from different instruments and will be capable of designing and implementing basic measurement campaigns, both in laboratory settings and in the field.

The practical components of the course are designed to enhance students’ data analysis skills and to provide hands-on experience with instrumentation.

Course contents

The course provides integrated theoretical and experimental training on atmospheric physical measurements, with a focus on both instrumentation and the analysis of observational data.
The teaching is organized into two modules, each including a set of lectures and an applied component based on hands-on laboratory experiences and/or field activities.

Module 1:

• Operating principles, static and dynamic response, and calibration methods of conventional instruments for atmospheric measurements; WMO standards.
• Surface measurement of key meteorological variables (pressure, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, precipitation intensity, wind direction and speed) using conventional and research-grade instrumentation, with critical evaluation of the instruments’ performance in terms of uncertainty, temporal resolution, robustness, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for different observational contexts. An introduction to remote sensing potential is also provided.
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines for the siting and exposure of surface meteorological stations.
• Procedures for the validation and processing of atmospheric data (visualization, descriptive statistics, quality checks, consistency tests, and management of systematic errors).
• Development of basic data analysis and processing routines using computational tools.

Module 2:

Basic aerosol properties and measurement of particle size. Aerosol size distribution, main fashions and their sources and sinks. Method of moments for analyzing distributions and its application in atmospheric aerosol analysis. Notes on light scattering by aerosol particles.

Measurement techniques, principles of operation, limitations and efficiency of atmospheric aerosol measuring instruments: impactors, cyclones, optical particle counters.

Comparison of atmospheric aerosol data obtained from different instrumental algorithms and in different neighborhoods of the real urban environment. Development of routines for atmospheric aerosol data analysis collected by a portable optical particle counter.

Principles of thermography and its application in the atmospheric field. Use of thermal imaging camera for atmospheric applications. Development of simple routines for analysis of images and data collected by a thermal imaging camera.

Proposed laboratory/field activities:

1. Validation and analysis of meteorological data from automatic stations and regional and/or global observation networks (e.g., ARPAE, WMO networks). [Module 1]
2. Acquisition and analysis of a three-dimensional wind dataset using a 3D sonic anemometer. [Module 1]
3. Use of an optical particle counter and analysis of the resulting dataset. [Module 2]
4. Acquisition and analysis of a dataset using a thermal imaging camera. [Module 2]

Readings/Bibliography

Required materials for exam preparation:
Lecture notes and slides provided by the instructor during the course, available on the online platform Virtuale.

Recommended texts for further reading:

• F.V. Brock, S.J. Richardson, Meteorological Measurement Systems, Oxford University Press, 290 pp., 2001.
• WMO-No. 8: Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation.
• WMO-No. 100: Guide to Climatological Practices.
• WMO-No. 485: Guide to the Global Observing System (GOS).
• W. Hinds, Aerosol Technology: Properties, Behavior, and Measurement of Airborne Particles, John Wiley & Sons, 504 pp., 1999.

Further resources:
Selected chapters from the above texts and relevant scientific articles may be suggested by the instructor during the course for in-depth exploration of specific topics.

Teaching methods

For both modules, the theoretical content will be delivered through face-to-face lectures, supported by PowerPoint presentations and additional explanations on the whiteboard.

The practical activities, conducted in the laboratory and in the field for both modules, will be carried out in groups of 2 or 3 students.

Due to the types of activities and teaching methods adopted in this course, it is mandatory that all students take the E-learning Modules 1 and 2 on general health and safety training, as well as Module 3 on specific health and safety training in studying places. Please visit the Degree Programme website to find out the dates and enrollment instructions for Module 3.

Assessment methods

The final examination covers the content of both modules and consists of two components:

1. Laboratory Reports : Students will work in groups of two or three. For each laboratory session, a report must be prepared by the group and submitted within two weeks of the activity. The reports will be evaluated by the instructor. The average grade of all reports will account for 50% of the final mark.

• Individual Oral Exam: The oral exam, approximately 30-40 minutes in duration, includes two main questions: critical discussion of data, elaborations, or results obtained during the practical activities; in-depth discussion of theoretical topics covered in class. The oral exam will contribute the remaining 50% of the final mark.

The final grade will be expressed on a scale of 30, as the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained from the laboratory reports (50%) and the oral exam (50%).

 

Grading Criteria (for both the reports and the oral exam)

• Limited understanding of the topics or data discussed; analysis is only partially independent and requires significant guidance from the instructor. Expression is correct but simplified. Reports are essential and lack depth.-->18-19
• Adequate knowledge of a limited number of topics. Independent analysis is generally correct, though focused on procedural aspects. Appropriate technical language. Reports are structured but not always comprehensive.-->20-24
• Good understanding of a wide range of topics, with the ability to conduct independent and critical analysis, draw theoretical-practical connections, and use technical terminology accurately. Reports are complete, well-structured, and show good interpretation of results.-->25-29
• Full mastery of the course content; strong critical thinking, synthesis, and ability to connect theoretical and practical aspects. Arguments are rigorous, independent, and well-justified. Technical language is precise and fluent. Reports are outstanding in clarity, scientific accuracy, and depth.-->30-30L

Students with learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will advise students of possible adjustments, that will be submitted to the professor for approval 15 days in advance. He/she will evaluate their suitability also in relation to the academic objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

For both modules, lectures will be delivered by the instructor using a video projector and blackboard.

During the practical sessions, students will have access to the following resources:

• PCs equipped with Windows operating system and software tools for data processing;
• A variety of sensors installed in the laboratory and/or outdoors at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, including DAVIS weather stations, a three-dimensional sonic anemometer with Campbell Scientific data acquisition system, optical particle counters, thermal camera;
• Datasets acquired using state-of-the-art atmospheric instruments, including both research-grade and low-cost devices;
• Reference materials and scientific literature to support the practical activities.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Sandra Leo

See the website of Erika Brattich