PS 103 - Weather and Climate

An introduction to the physical principles that are used to understand the mechanisms that control the Earth’s atmosphere. Topics covered will include: the Earth’s Heat Budget, the Hydrologic Cycle, Atmospheric Stability, Cloud Formation, Global Circulation Patterns, Wave Cyclone Theory, and climate Change Theories. The class will also provide insight into understanding the fundamental science behind issues such as global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, and air pollution.

Four credits.