70547 - Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows deeply experimental techniques used to in-situ and remote measurements of the relevant meteorological variables. The student knows physical principles, advanteages and drawbacks of different instruments, and it is able to select the most suitable instrument for the given experimental conditions. The student is also able to design simple measurement champaigns in the laboratory or in the field.

Course contents

Working principles, static and dynamic response, calibration methods of the instruments for atmospheric measuremnts. Optimal deployment and exposure of the instrument  according to WMO standard.

Measurements of meteorological variables at the ground (pressure, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, rainfall rate, wind direction and speed).

Techinques to process climatological and meteorological data: data matching and validation, methods of the moments for distribution analysis; non parametric techniques.

Sonic anemometer. Disdrometer.

Laboratory experiments proposed:

1.analysis and validation of wind data,

2. analysis and validation of meteorologicl station data (T, p, f...),

3.calibration of a tipping bucket raingauge,

4.search of climatological trends in a long-term dataset,

5.analysis of a 3D wind datatset,

6.analysis of a disdrometric dataset.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes.

Selected chapter of "WMO GUIDE TO METEOROLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF OBSERVATION", WMO - No 8 (2008).

Selected chapters of "R.Sozzi, T.Georgiadis, M.Valentini “Introduzione alla turbolenza atmosferica: concetti, stime, misure”, Pitagora editrice Bologna, pp.523, 2002."

Teaching methods

Class lectures and experiments in the Laboratory 

Assessment methods

The students arranges in couples to carry on the laboratory experiments. Each group must write a report of all experiment and deliver it to the teacher within one week after the end of the course.

The reports are evaluated, and contribute to the 50% of the final mark. The remaining 50% is assessed after a 30-min oral examination focused on the theoretical part of the lectures.

Teaching tools

PC projector for class lectures. Psychrometers, sonic anemometer, disdrometer, tipping bucket raingauge. Full meteorological stations on the rooftop of the Department.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Porcù