OVERVIEW

The class deals with  the effects and the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere. It is divided into four parts:

1) Introduction to atmospheric pollutants and their effects on the environment, climate and health

2) meteorology in the boundary layer

3) experimental and modeling methodologies to identify polluting sources

4) laboratory practice: compositional analysis of atmospheric particulate matter and research of emission sources

AIMS AND CONTENT

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 Mazzei (federico.mazzei@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, F. Mazzei 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. Measurements at the atmospheric simulation chamber, ChAMBRe.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLO PRATI (President)

FEDERICO CASSOLA

FEDERICO MAZZEI

DARIO MASSABO' (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See the calendar at the link: https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/9012/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will be oral.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The contents of the course will be critically discussed and the results of the training in the laboratory will be analyzed as well: to verify the student's level of understanding of the topics and measurement methodologies that constitute the educational objectives of the course.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further informatio at the website  https://www.ge.infn.it/~prati/Fisica%20dell'atmosfera%20e%20dispersione%20degli%20inquinanti/FAeDI.htm