Module Code - Title:
PH6081
-
EARTH AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The rationale and purpose of the module are to give physics student an overview of Earth as a planet in the solar system, and of its atmosphere. The module builds upon physics knowledge in the origin of the universe and atoms and energy, with illustration of contemporary topics in climate, climate modeling, and Earth relationship to the Sun, Moon, and other bodies in the solar system.
Syllabus:
The origin of the universe, formation of hydrogen and heavier atoms, formation of rocks and minerals. Quantification of resources: minerals, oil, gas, coal, wind, biomass, marine energy. Theory of Peak Oil and the Hubbert Curve. The Solar System: the Earths relationship to the Sun, Moon and other bodies of the solar system. Earth, air and water interactions: The structure and composition of the atmosphere. The effects of atmospheric convection, atmospheric dust and cloud cover, rotation of the Earth on global climates and season. The radiation, conduction and convection and their effects on weather and climate. Transfer of heat energy to the patterns of wind belts. Moisture, clouds and precipitation. Running water and groundwater. Oceans past and present: Transfer of solar energy to ocean currents and waves. Climate modelling: Collection and use of data to predict the weather. Climate changes that have occurred over the millennia.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Explain key aspects of structure and composition of the atmosphere, the earth and the solar system and describe how these interact to main the delicate life-sustaining balance on Earth.
Evaluate the impacts of energy and resource consumption on this balance.
Compare various methods used to analyse natural resources e.g. oil reserves, climate models etc.
Discuss the theory of peak oil and the Hubbert curve for the prediction of the rate of oil production.
Apply a relevant sustainability metric, identify and evaluate an impact reduction strategy.
Discuss the geological evolution of the island of Ireland its impact on our natural resources.
Differentiate between rocks and minerals.
Assess the extraction and use of geological resources.
Demonstrate knowledge of the Earths layers.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Elucidate and question Irelands use of its own vs imported natural resources.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will learn through a series of lectures and tutorials.
Knowledgeable: key aspects of the solar system, Earth, and its atmosphere;
Creative and proactive: Able to discuss and provide educated opinion on Earth its environment and natural resources.
Articulate: Elucidate and question Earth and its environment within a context of natural resources.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Leeder M and PerezArlucea M (2005)
Physical Processes in Earth and Environmental Sciences
, Wiley Blackwell
Thompson, GR and Turk J
Earth Science and the Environment (with EarthScienceNow and InfoTrac), BrooksCole
Other Relevant Texts:
Flannery T (2006)
The Weather Makers: The History and Future Impact of Climate Change
, Penguin London
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSAPPHTFA - APPLIED PHYSICS
MSAPPHTFB - APPLIED PHYSICS
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
David.Corcoran@ul.ie