We are running climate models for Earth, Mars and exoplanets. We are particularly interested in the role of clouds and aerosols in climate. Various students are investigating geo-engineering using sulfates to counter the greenhouse effect, how to solve the faint young sun problem on early Earth, how river valleys formed on ancient Mars, how aerosols behave in the atmosphere and impact climate, how the upper atmosphere is polluted by sulfur emissions and volcanic eruptions, how polar stratospheric clouds form and impact ozone, how smoke from fires may influence climate, and how the use of nuclear weapons may threaten global civilization.
keywords
atmospheres and climates of the Earth, Mars, Venus, Titan, exoplanets and the early Earth
ATOC 4500 - Special Topics in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences - Upper Division
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021
Acquaints students at the upper division level with current research in atmospheres, oceans, and climate. Topics may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 18 total credit hours within the degree as long as the topic is different. Students may register for more than one section of this course in the same semester. Recommended restriction: students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
ATOC 4760 - Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Aerosols
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Clouds and aerosols are important components of the climate system, impact remote sensing, affect human health, and are tightly coupled to radiation, chemistry and dynamics. This class covers the basic concepts in cloud and aerosol physics and chemistry in the context of the leading problems in climate, Earth history, air pollution, and weather. Examples include: dust storms; volcanic eruptions and climate; the extinction of the dinosaurs; nuclear winter; clouds and climate; thunderstorms, and lightning. Recommended restriction: junior and senior level students.
ATOC 5600 - Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Aerosols
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Examines the physics and chemistry of clouds and aerosols in the planetary atmospheres, where they impact climate, atmospheric chemistry, remote sensing and weather. Applies basic microphysical, radiative and chemical processes affecting particles to issues in current literature. Recommended prerequisite: one semester of college-level chemistry and calculus-based physics and math up through differential equations. ATOC graduate core course.
ATOC 6020 - Seminar in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019
Studies an area of current research in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Students read selected papers from the literature. Students and faculty give presentations and participate in discussions. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours within the degree. May be repeated for a total of 3 credit hours within a semester.
