EAS/CHEM 4740 ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

Course Summary:

The primary objective of this course is to examine the sources, sinks, and distributions of atmospheric constituents and their interactions with environmental systems and climate. Students will explore how chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere influence air quality and climate, emphasizing the interconnected nature of atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, and climate change.

Instructor: Professor Yuhang Wang

Office: ES&T 3254, phone: (404) 894-3995, email: ywang@eas.gatech.edu

Grader: TBD

Textbook: Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry, by D. J. Jacob, Princeton University Press, 2012.

Class: Clough UG Learning Commons 146, Tuesday/Thursday 12:30-1:45 pm

Office hours: Tuesday/Thursday 4:50-6:00 pm

Web: http://apollo.eas.gatech.edu/EAS4740

Syllabus:

Date	Topics	Chapters
Jan 13, 15	The earth system; atmospheric composition	1
Jan 20, 22	Atmospheric pressure	2
Jan 27, 29	Simple models; Atmospheric transport	3, 4
Feb 3, 5	Atmospheric transport; Continuity equation	4, 5
Feb 10, 12	Geochemical cycles	6
Feb 17, 19	Greenhouse effect	7
Feb 24, 25	Aerosols	8
Mar 3, 5	Aerosols	8
Mar 10, 12	Chemical kinetics; Stratospheric ozone	9,10
Mar 17, 19	Stratospheric ozone; Presentation #1
Mar 23, 25	Spring recess
Mar 21, Apr 2	Oxidizing power of the atmosphere (group assignment due)	11
Apr 7, 9	Ozone air pollution	12
Apr 14, 16	Acid rain and aerosol acidity; Air quality and climate change	13
Apr 21, 23	Presentation #2
Apr 28	Project presentation

Grade:

Homework	30%
Presentation #1	15%
Presentation #2	15%
Class participation	15%
Project	25%

Projects:

2022

	Topics
Carson Clemens Zach D’Aquino Sukanya Kumar	Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
Nathan Banks Chole Lecates Amanda Mitchell	Acid Rain
Camille Butkus David Clark Thiago Esslinger	Carbon Capture Methods
Aman Ghuman Aria Creque Marcus Morris	Air Quality Impact on Climate Change

2020

	Topics
Kelsey Abernath	Light Pollution
Kevin Adams	CO2 as a Polymer Precursor
Anna Dillon	Laws and Regulations Impacting Our Atmosphere
Devon Goldy	Greenhouse Emissions from the Energy Sector
Juan Gomez	Air Travel and Earth’s Atmosphere
Mary Hulgan	The Effect of Volcanic Eruptions on Stratospheric Ozone
Jason Martinez	Acid Rain Against Ecology
Amy Moran	Long-Term Implications and Air Quality Benefits of Wind and Solar Power in the United States
Tyler Pollard	Effects of Pollution on Human Health
Matthew Salamoni	Australia’s Wildfires: Air Quality, Air Pollution, and Health Effects
Jackson Sims	Volcanic Effects on the Atmosphere
Vignesh Unnithan	Atmospheric Chemistry of Contrails
Skyler Voisin	Weakening Car Mileage Standards in the U.S.
Alexis Wilson	The Benefits and Issues with CO2 Satellite Measurements

2018

	Topics
Parker Chilton	The Impact of Air Pollution on U.S. Economy
Bianca Costa	Air Pollution and Urban Areas
Mark Delgado	Air Pollution and Climate
William Disser	Air Pollution and Human Health Impacts
Jordan Dobson	Air Quality and Structural Changes