40500 - Physics of Clouds

Learning outcomes

The following topics will be treated during the the classes and the student is expected to achieve an appropriate knowledge on all of them: - thermodynamics of dry and humid air; - atmospheric instability and cloud formation; - hydrometeors formation; - liquid and solid precipitation formation; - role of the atmospheric aerosol; atmospheric electricity; - elements of radarmeteorology; - elements of satellite meteorology. The student will develop skills on the understanding of the role of clouds in meteorology and climate. He/she will be enabled to apply the acquired knowledge in the interpretation of the observations from remote sensing instruments and numerical weather predictions that are necessary for operational meteorology. Moreover, the student will autonomously approach the observational techniques and judge the quality of measurements. Finally, the student will go into some depth exploring the links with dynamic meteorology, atmospheric radiative transfer and climatology.

Course contents

- Thermodynamics of dry air. - Thermodynamics of humid air: the water vapour. - Thermodynamics of humid air:buoyancy.
- Mixing and convection. - Observed cloud properties. - Cloud droplet formation. - Condensation of atmospheric water vapour. - Warm clouds. - Ice crystals. - Rain and snow. - Elements of radarmeteorology. - Precipitation processes. - Elements of atmospheric electricity. - Severe storms. - Elements of satellite meteorology.

Readings/Bibliography

1) Lecture notes prepared by the teacher are available on the University web portal. 2) H.R.PruppacherandJ.D.Klett, Microphysics of clouds and precipitation, Springer, 2nd Ed., 2010.
3) R. R. Rogers and M. K. Yau, A short course in cloud physics, Butterworth-Heinemann, 3rd Ed., 1996.
4) J. M. Wallace and P. V. Hobbs, Atmospheric science: An introductory survey, Academic Press, 2nd Ed., 2006. 5) E. D. Conway, An introduction to satellite image interpretation, Johns Hopkins, 1997.

Teaching methods

Lectures are no different than those of any other class. However, the continuous contact with the teacher is deemed essential for a correct approach to the more applied aspects. The students are encouraged to pursue a continuous learning during the classes that will allow them to tackle the more modern aspects of the disciplines, such as the remote sensing of clouds and precipitation, without which it would be difficult to understand modern cloud physics.

Assessment methods

There will be a final oral examination.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be possibly integrated with seminars and visits to the CNR laboratories.

Office hours

See the website of Vincenzo Levizzani