ENV3726

Atmospheric processes

(SCI)

Mrs Barbara Panther, Associate Professor Martin Hooper

6 points + First semester + 3 hours of lectures and 3 hours of laboratory per week + Distance students undertake a 3-day residential school program + Gippsland, Berwick, Distance, Malaysia + Prerequisites: ENV1616 and 12 points of first year level chemistry

Synopsis: This subject emphasises the function of the atmosphere as a major environmental system and extends the student's knowledge of the basic chemical and physical processes. The structure of the atmosphere, the mass/energy balances, the predominant atmospheric species, relevant biogeochemical cycles, photochemical reactions and environmental chemical models are studied. This provides students with the background to understand current issues such as atmospheric pollution, the enhanced greenhouse effect and stratospheric ozone depletion. Regional atmospheric issues are examined to explore the causes, effects and control of air particulate levels, urban smog and acid deposition.

Assessment: Fieldwork/practical reports and one assignment (3,000 words): 40% + Examination: 60%