70547 - Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics

Course contents

The course provides integrated theoretical and experimental training on atmospheric measurements, with particular emphasis on the instrumentation used to observe key atmospheric variables and on the analysis and interpretation of observational data.

Part I

• 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.
  

 

Part II

• Fundamental properties of atmospheric aerosols and measurement of particle size distributions.
• Aerosol size distributions, main modes, sources, and removal processes.
• Method of moments for aerosol distribution analysis.
• Fundamentals of light scattering by atmospheric particles.
• Measurement techniques for atmospheric aerosols, including impactors, cyclones, and optical particle counters: operating principles, limitations, and performance.
• Comparison of aerosol datasets obtained using different instruments and processing algorithms in different urban environments.
• Analysis of datasets collected with portable optical particle counters.
• Principles of infrared thermography and its applications in atmospheric observations.

• Use of thermal imaging cameras and development of basic routines for thermal image and data analysis.

 

Laboratory and Field Activities

Practical activities include:

1. Validation and analysis of meteorological data from automatic weather stations and regional or international observation networks (e.g. ARPAE and WMO).
2. Acquisition and analysis of three-dimensional wind measurements using a 3D sonic anemometer.
3. Operation of an optical particle counter and analysis of aerosol datasets.
4. Acquisition and analysis of thermal images and datasets using an infrared thermal camera.

The laboratory activities are designed to develop experimental skills, quantitative data analysis capabilities, and the ability to design and implement basic atmospheric measurement campaigns.

Readings/Bibliography

Required Material

Lecture notes, slides, datasets, and supplementary teaching material provided by the instructors through the University e-learning platform (Virtuale).

Recommended Textbooks

• F. V. Brock, S. J. Richardson, Meteorological Measurement Systems, Oxford University Press.
• 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.

Further Reading

Selected chapters from the recommended textbooks, scientific papers, and technical reports will be suggested during the course to provide further insight into specific topics.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, laboratory activities, field measurements, and guided data analysis sessions.

Lectures are supported by presentations, whiteboard explanations, scientific literature, and practical examples. Laboratory and field activities are carried out in small groups of students and constitute an integral part of the learning process.

During the practical sessions, students use research-grade atmospheric instrumentation, acquire experimental datasets, develop basic data-processing routines, and critically analyse the collected observations.

These activities are designed to strengthen experimental skills, quantitative data analysis, and the ability to plan and conduct basic atmospheric measurement campaigns.

Due to the nature of the laboratory and field activities, attendance requires completion of the University's general health and safety training (Modules 1 and 2, e-learning) and the specific laboratory safety training (Module 3), according to the procedures established by the Degree Programme.

Assessment methods

Student learning is assessed through two complementary components.

Laboratory Reports (50% of the final grade)

Laboratory activities are carried out in groups of two or three students. A technical report must be submitted for each laboratory session within two weeks after the activity. Reports are evaluated by the instructors, and the average mark contributes 50% of the final grade.

Individual Oral Examination (50% of the final grade)

The oral examination, lasting approximately 30–40 minutes, consists of:

• critical discussion of the experimental data and results obtained during the laboratory and field activities;
• in-depth discussion of the theoretical topics covered during the course.

The final mark, expressed on a 30-point scale, corresponds to the arithmetic mean of the laboratory report grade (50%) and the oral examination grade (50%).

Assessment Criteria

• 18–19/30: limited understanding of the topics and experimental activities; only partially independent data analysis; laboratory reports are basic and lack depth.
• 20–24/30: satisfactory knowledge of the main topics; correct interpretation of experimental data; reports are well organised but not fully comprehensive.
• 25–29/30: good command of the course topics; ability to critically interpret experimental results and establish connections between theoretical and practical aspects; reports are complete and well structured.
• 30–30 cum laude: comprehensive knowledge of the course content, excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, rigorous use of scientific terminology, and laboratory reports of outstanding scientific quality.

The use of generative Artificial Intelligence during the preparation of laboratory reports or during the oral examination is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the instructors. Any unauthorized use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD), temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University support services well in advance. Any examination accommodations must be submitted to the instructors for approval at least 15 days before the examination date.

Teaching tools

The following resources will be available throughout the course:

• lecture slides and teaching material distributed through the Virtuale platform;
• computers equipped with software for atmospheric data processing and visualization;
• meteorological instrumentation installed at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, including DAVIS weather stations and a three-dimensional sonic anemometer with Campbell Scientific data acquisition system;
• atmospheric aerosol instrumentation, including optical particle counters;
• infrared thermal imaging camera for atmospheric applications;
• datasets collected using both research-grade and low-cost atmospheric sensors;
• scientific papers, technical documentation, and additional reference material supporting laboratory activities.

Generative Artificial Intelligence tools may be used to support individual study activities, such as literature exploration, concept summarization, and self-assessment. However, they do not replace independent analysis of experimental data and may not be used during assessment activities

Office hours

See the website of Laura Sandra Leo

See the website of Erika Brattich