ENV3627

Atmospheric issues

Associate Professor Martin Hooper

4 points - Second semester - Distance education only - 8 hours of private study per week - Prerequisites: ENV1616 and CHM1022

Objectives To provide students with (1) an awareness of (a) the evidence which has been accumulated to trace changes in the earth's atmosphere and climate through geological time, (b) the earth's atmosphere as a complex physiochemical system maintaining a state of dynamic equilibrium with other environmental systems, but susceptible to perturbations which may have both short-term and long-term effects on the quality of human life, and (c) the effects which atmospheric pollution, both biogenic and anthropogenic, may have on the global environment, in particular on climate change; (2) a knowledge of the changes in the atmosphere and the earth's climate through time and related causes and effects, including the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion; and (3) the skills to deal with current atmospheric issues and recommend suitable management practices for sustainable atmospheric properties and climatic conditions.

Synopsis This subject is designed to explore in depth the causes, effects and implications of regional and global atmospheric issues such as urban smog, acid deposition, the enhanced greenhouse effect and stratospheric ozone depletion. The subject content begins with a study of the history of the evolution of the atmosphere and of climate change, with particular attention to ice core chemistry and historical climatic records. Regional atmospheric issues are explored, commencing with an overview of atmospheric pollution and extending to an examination of the causes, effects and control of regional particulate levels, urban smog and acid deposition. Attention is also give to recent global atmospheric changes such as the enhanced greenhouse effect and its implications for climate change and the depletion of stratospheric ozone and its effect on increased levels of UV-B.

Assessment Two assignments: 40% - Examination: 60%

Prescribed texts

Graedel T E and Crutzen P J Atmospheric change: An earth system approach Freeman, 1993

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