LEARNING OUTCOMES

The class aims to provide the basic elements of atmospheric physics related to the boundary layer, which are relevant for the dispersion and transport of pollutants. Furthermore, the computational techniques for the numerical simulation of dispersive phenomena and the basis of diagnostic models based on experimental data (receptor models) will be addressed. The course as a whole aims to present state-of-the-art techniques in the field

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will get the basic skills necessary for understanding:

the main atmospheric phenomena related to the dispersion of pollutants;

the physical principles as well as the experimental and modeling tools for the characterization of atmospheric pollutants, their sources, their effects;

the most advanced measurement techniques in the field (with a practical session in the laboratory).

PREREQUISITES

The basic training of the bachelor degree in physics.

TEACHING METHODS

frontal lessons and a training session in the laboratory.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Teachers: Paolo Prati (prati@ge.infn.it), Dario Massabò (massabo@ge.infn.it), Federico Cassola (ARPAL, federico.cassola@arpal.liguria.it).

First part, Introduction (P. Prati): Composition of the earth's atmosphere, classification of pollutants, Health effects of atmospheric pollutants: state of the art and legislation, Air pollution and climate forcing: greenhouse effect, cloudiness, visibility.

Second part, physics of the atmosphere (F. Cassola): vertical structure and main dynamics of earth's atmosphere. Elements of thermodynamics of dry and humid air. The concept of air particle, adiabatic processes and vertical thermal gradient. Stability criteria and convective phenomena. Equations of motion and analysis of scale, geostrophic and hydrostatic balance. The atmospheric boundary layer. Fundamental processes and characteristic parameters. Diurnal cycle of the boundary layer. Atmospheric circulations at local scale (breezes). Stability conditions and effects on the dispersion of pollutants. Numerical modeling and meteorological forecasts from the planetary to the local scale.

Third part, evaluation of the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants: (P. Prati): physics techniques of monitoring, sampling and analysis of atmospheric pollutants. Methods for the identification and characterization of polluting sources. Receptor modeling: general principles, characteristics and limits, "Chemical Mass Balance" and "Positive Matrix Factorization". Outline of numerical modeling of pollutant dispersion.

Fourth part, laboratory (D. Massabò and P. Prati): execution of a short campaign for the collection and compositional analysis of atmospheric particulate, data analysis for the identification of natural and anthropogenic sources.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Some texts on specific topics will be suggested. All the didactic material (slides) will be available in the web.