72611 - Cloud Physics

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the fundamental microphysical processes that occur in the atmosphere and that affect the formation, structure and dynamics of clouds and precipitation. The mechanisms of the water phase transition and the role of aerosol particles, as well as the aerodynamic properties of particulate matter and hydrometeors will be studied. We will also study the role of clouds, precipitation and aerosols in the climate system and the main techniques for measuring and estimating the quantities that describe the processes considered.

Course contents

The following topics will be covered during the Course:

1. Introduction of microphysical processes in the atmosphere;
2. Basics of thermodynamics: water in the atmosphere;
3. Homogeneous nucleation;
4. Eterogeneous nucleation;
5. Aerosol's mechanics;
6. Warm clouds formation and growth;
7. Cold clouds' structure;
8. Precipitation;
9. Hydrodynamics of cloud and precipitation particles;
10. Precipitation structure;
11. Measurements;
12. Application to disdrometric data;
13. Convective clouds;
14. Charge separation and lightning;
15. Large scale distribution of clouds and precipitation;
16. Climatic trends.

Readings/Bibliography

-notes of the teacher;

-Pruppacher and Klett, 1997, Microphysics of clouds and precipitation, Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp. 954.

-Wang, P.K., 2014, Physics and Dynamics of Clouds and Precipitation, Cambridge University Press, pp 451

-Siebesma, Bony, Jakob and Stevens, 2020, Clouds and Climate, Climate's Greatest Challenge. Cambridge University Press, pp. 409

-Houze, R.H., 2014, Cloud Dynamics, Elsevier, pp. 496

Teaching methods

Blackboard lectures with use of video projector, when needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment will be a 50 min oral interview on the course topics 

Teaching tools

Blackboard and videoprojector

Office hours

See the website of Federico Porcù