70547 - Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of course, the student will have a thorough knowledge of the experimental techniques utilized for ‘in-situ’ measurements of the main atmospheric variables. The course explores both conventional instruments for meteorological services and instrumentation used for research in the field of atmospheric physics (sonic anemometer, disdrometer) and air pollution (particle counters), introducing also the potential of remote sensing. The student knows the physical principles, the advantages and limitations of each approach, and therefore in case more techniques for the measurement of the same atmospheric parameter are available, has the necessary critical skills to select the most appropriate one on the basis of the experimental contingent situation. Furthermore the student is capable to intercompare and validate measurements from different instruments and can project simple experimental campaigns, in the laboratory or in the field. The experiences proposed enable the student to explore techniques of data analysis as well as to interact directly with the instruments.

Course contents

Working principles, static and dynamic response, calibration methods of the instruments for atmospheric measurements, WMO standard.

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

Techniques to process meteorological data: data matching and validation, methods of the moments for distribution analysis.

Aerosol basic characteristics and particle size measurements. 

Sonic anemometer. Optical particle counter.

Laboratory experiments proposed:

1.analysis and validation of meteorological station data (T, p, V, f...),

2.calibration of a tipping bucket raingauge,

3.validation of multiplatform precipitation datasets,

4.analysis of a 3D wind datatset,

5.use of optical particle counter and dataset analysis.

Please, note that laboratory activities are subject to modification, due to possible restrictions to group activity.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes/slides of the lectures made available by the lecturer.

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

Selected chapters from W. Hinds, “Aerosol technology: properties, behavior, and measurement of airborne particles.”, John Wiley & Sons, pp.504, 1999

G. P. Srivastava, Surface meteorological instruments and measurement practices. Atlantic Publisher, p.429

Teaching methods

frontal lectures and laboratory experiments 

 

IMPORTANT: 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 students arrange in groups of two or three people to carry on the laboratory experiments. Each group must write a report for each lab experiment and deliver it to the teacher within one week after the end of the experiment.

The reports are evaluated, and contribute to the 50% of the final score. 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. DAVIS meteorological station, optical particle counter, sonic anemometer, tipping bucket raingauge, which will be set-up in the lab or outside near the Department of Physics and Astronomy.  Atmospheric data acquisition will be carried out using both research-grade and low-cost sensors at the state of the art. 

Office hours

See the website of Laura Sandra Leo

See the website of Erika Brattich

See the website of Federico Porcù