Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer of Planetary Atmospheres

Earth and Planetary Sciences 238, Spring 2012

Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00 - 2:30, Geological Museum 103A

Absorption, emission, and scattering of the atmospheres of planets, with emphasis on the Earth's atmosphere. Atmospheric spectroscopic properties for various measurement geometries. Quantitative spectroscopy and atmospheric structure are reviewed. Radiative transfer modeling and simulation and interpretation of atmospheric spectra from microwave through ultraviolet.

Instructor: Dr. Kelly Chance

Last updated: January 15, 2012

     office:  Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
              Atomic and Molecular Physics Division
              Observatory P-252
              60 Garden Street
              Mail stop 50
              Cambridge, MA  02138-1516

  phone:      +1-617-495-7389
  fax:        +1-617-495-5439
     e-mail:  kchance@cfa.harvard.edu

              Office hours by appointment

Reference books (on course reserve at Gordon McKay Library)

• Spectra of Atoms and Molecules, Bernath
• Quantitative Molecular Spectroscopy and Gas Emissivities, Penner
• The Physics of Atmospheres, Houghton
• Atmospheric Radiation: Theoretical Basis, Goody and Yung

For additional study:

• Aeronomy of the middle atmosphere, 3^rd Edition, Brasseur and Solomon
• Microwave Spectroscopy, Townes and Schawlow
• The Spectra and Structures of Simple Free Radicals: An Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy, Herzberg
• Principles of Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry, Goody
• Photochemistry of Planetary Atmospheres, Yung and DeMore

And, of course, the standard spectroscopic works by Herzberg:

• Atomic Spectra and Atomic Structure
• Spectra of Diatomic Molecules
• Infrared and Raman Spectra
• Electronic Spectra of Polyatomic Molecules

Reference data and computer code

• These are available here

Class notes and references

• These are available here

Class assignments and examinations

• Regular homework assignments (1/3 of grade)
• Two intermediate projects (1/3 of grade)
• Final project (1/3 of grade)