Física Aplicada

Environmental Physics
4.5 ECTS
Alfonso Calera / Antonio J. Barbero García
Prerequisite: None

Objective

The Environmental Physics is inside of the scientific knowledge body named “Environmental Sciences”. It
concerns the description and analysis of physical processes that establish the conditions in which all species of
life survive and reproduce. The subject involves a synthesis of mathematical relations that describe the
physical nature of the environment and the many biological responses that environments evoke.
Environmental Physics provides a basis for understanding the complex responses of plants and animals to
environmental change, focusing on interactions between surfaces and the atmosphere.

Contents

The main topics of this course are:

SUN-EARTH ASTRONOMICAL RELATIONSHIPS

THE ATMOSPHERE: TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE AT BOUNDARY LAYER
HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
RADIATION ENVIRONMENT
SURFACE ENERGY BALANCE.: GLOBAL WARMING AND GREENHOUSE EFFECT
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
REMOTE SENSING: Earth Observation

After finishing the course the student will have basic knowledge about these topics. Have knowledge of the
basics of the relevant theories and be familiar with basic concepts and models. The student will also be able
to explain these basic concepts and models and apply the basic principles to a given problem.

Teaching disposition
Principal methods of instruction are lectures, seminars, and lab practices. The design of the module allows
students to attend lectures, and discuss lab practices in small group settings. The students are expected to
read the assigned material and participate actively in seminar discussions.
Examination

A written term paper about a description of lab experiment and an exam are required. Attendance in
seminars is mandatory to pass the course.
In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments
must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion.
Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity in
September.
Readings and other material

MONTEITH, J.L. and UNSWORTH, M. 2007 “Principles of Environmental Physics” 3rd Ed.. Elsevier
STRAHLER, A.N.; STRAHLER, A.H. 1997 “Physical Geography” John Wiley and Sons