Meteorology 342 - Spring 2021
Atmospheric Physics II
http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/classes/mt342
Instructor: Xiaoqing Wu
Meeting time and place: MWF 9:55-10:45 am, 0105 Kildee
Office: 3011 Agronomy Hall
Office hours: MW 11am - noon
Email: wuxq@iastate.edu
Phone: (515) 294-9872
Course Objectives
This course will cover cloud physics, atmospheric radiation and radar
meteorology with emphasis on understanding the basic concepts and
physical processes. Clouds and convection are recognized as an
essential component of the global climate system. Cloud systems affect
incoming and outgoing radiant energy through processes of reflection,
absorption and emission. Organized convection, through the release of
latent heat and the redistribution of heat and momentum, has an
important role in the coupling of large-scale dynamical and
thermodynamical processes. Tropical precipitating cloud systems are
considered to be a key factor in the surface energy budget through the
modification of radiative fluxes and heat fluxes at the ocean surface.
Building a solid foundation in physical principles and developing
self-learning and thinking skills are the goals.
Course Design
Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate actively
in the learning process. As in any professional organization, absences
should be justified and promptness is standard procedure. Your homework
should be done with pride and submitted on time. The policy for late
assignments is stated below.
Text
- Roger, R.R., and M.K. Yau, 1989: A Short Course in Cloud Physics.
Third Edition, Pergamon Press.
- Liou, K.N., 2002: An Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation.
Second Edition. Academic Press.
References
- Salby, M., 2012: Physics of the Atmosphere and Climate. Cambridge University Press.
- Wallace, J., and P. Hobbs, 1977: Atmospheric Science. Academic
Press.
Homework
- I will assign homework for each chapter.
- Homework will be due one week after it is assigned.
- Each person must hand in his or her own solutions although you
are encouraged to interact with your classmates to understand the basis
of each problem.
- Late: Homework that is late will receive 1/2 credit, no credit
after a week.
Exams
There will be a midterm exam plus a comprehensive final. Approximate
dates are Week 7 and Final Week, but are subject to change.
Grading
- Homeworks: 20%; Midterm Exam: 35%; Final: 45%
The course grade is determined in part by how students do with respect to
each other and how the class as a whole has done. This gives a starting
point for assessing what each student has demonstrated with regard to
his/her understanding of the material.
Course Outline
1. Cloud
Physics
2. Droplet
Formation
3. Droplet
Growth
4. Initiation
of Rain
5. Formation
& Growth of Ice Crystals
6. Rain
and Snow
7. Radar
Meteorology
8. Atmospheric
Radiation
Students Needing Disability Accommodation
Iowa State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities
Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Please address any
special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of
the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. Those
seeking accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student
Academic Accommodations Request (SAAR) form from the Disabilities
Resources (DR) office (515-294-6624), located on the main floor of the
Student Services Building, Room 1076.
COVID-19 health and safety requirements
Students are responsible for abiding by the university’s COVID-19 health and safety
expectations. All students attending this class in-person are required to:
• properly wear a face covering and/or face shield, covering the nose and mouth, while in classrooms, laboratories, studios, offices, and other learning spaces. It is important to remember that a face covering and/or face shield is required to be worn whenever you are on campus, in the presence of others, and unable to maintain physical distance.
• practice physical distancing to the extent possible;
• assist in maintaining a clean and sanitary environment;
• not attend class if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
• not attend class if you have been told to self-isolate or quarantine by a health official.
• follow the faculty member’s guidance with respect to these requirements. Failure to comply constitutes disruptive classroom conduct. Faculty and teaching
assistants have the authority to deny a non-compliant student entry into a classroom, laboratory, studio, conference room, office, or other learning space.