MAQ-34806 Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Introduction Atmosphere

Continuation courses:

The role of aerosols in air pollution problems, Environmental Systems Analysis, Meteorology courses at MAQ.

Contents:

The course provides qualitative and quantitative insight into the emission/effect causality chain. Natural and anthropogenic emissions are treated and estimated. Atmospheric transport, atmospheric conversion and deposition of air pollutants are modelled. Models to link emissions and exposure to air pollutants are treated and used in practical training. Sources, effects and possible abatement measures of local air pollution, acid deposition, eutrophication, ozone in troposphere and stratosphere (the Antarctic ozone hole) and climatic change are explained.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain and describe the emission/effect causality chain for different pollutants in different scales of space and time;
- estimate emissions, residence time, distance of transport or set up a mass balance;
- explain the connections between air and water/soil pollution;
- calculate wet and dry deposition on surfaces;
- explain and discuss the interaction and non-linearity of atmospheric processes, leading to non-linear response to emission abatement;
- calculate conversion rates and chemical equilibria;
- explain and assess he possibilities and limitations of air pollution models;
- use four types of frequently used models.

Activities:

- attending lectures;
- participation in discussion on air pollution problems during lectures;
- work out tasks in quantitative calculations;
- practical use of models to investigate air pollution problems and the effect of abatement measures.

Examination:

- written exam (60% but at east 5.5);
- evaluation of the results of practical work on models (40%).

Literature:

- manuals for course and practical;
- lecture notes
- D.J. Jacob 'Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistrry'.