Practical Radiative Transfer for the Planetary Sciences

Course Description

This course discusses the theory and application of radiative transfer as applied to planetary atmospheres. Among the topics to be considered are the definition and characteristics of radiative quantities (specific intensity, flux, optical depth, etc.), properties of the Planck function, calculation of absorption coefficients in molecular bands, correlated k coefficients, methods of solution for the radiative transfer equation, scattering by atmospheric gases and aerosols, polarization of radiation, and the greenhouse effect, as well as other topics dependent upon the interest of the instructor and students. Students will also be able to apply radiative transfer theory to the interpretation of remote sensing observations. Weekly lectures will be accompanied by problem sets that include solution of radiative transfer problems in research settings. The course will stress the practical application of radiative transfer theory to research problems and students will be expect to conduct calculations of radiative quantities and radiative effects, such as heating rates and emergent spectra.

Code

PTYS 531

Credits

3

Subject

Planetary Sciences