260004 SE Physics and chemistry of clouds (2023W)

In this seminar, students will acquire in-depth knowledge related to the topic of clouds. The contents include: cloud formation, cloud types and their relevance to weather and climate, weather phenomena, cloud microphysics, properties of cloud condensation nuclei, Köhler theory, influence of aerosol particles on cloud microphysics, formation of precipitation, radiation properties and radiation balance, geoengineering.

Aims of the seminar:
• After completing the seminar, students should be able to answer the following questions about clouds:
o What types of clouds are there?
o How do clouds form?
o How do clouds interact with the atmosphere and climate?
o How do aerosol particles interact with clouds?
• Independent development of complex content
• Presentation of scientific contents
• Leading a scientific discussion on a topic
• Scientific argumentation

Method: Discussion of agreed topics prepared by students for each course unit.

Students prepare independently on a topic area. Each seminar unit begins with a 15-minute presentation by students on the topic of the unit. Subsequently, questions on the topic are discussed in break-out groups, and the results of this breakout sessions are presented and discussed in the plenum.

Note: It is helpful to attend this seminar after completing the lecture ”260133 VO Atmospheric Aerosol Physics”.