The Perfect Gas Law relates temperature, pressure, and density of gases in the atmosphere. It can be used to demonstrate why warm air rises, cool air sinks, and helium balloons float in the air. Buoyancy forces act in fluids (both water and air) when fluid is displaced by a parcel of a fluid with a different density. A combination of buoyancy force and the relationship given in the Ideal Gas Law govern the motion of parcels of gas in the atmosphere.

1. Introduction to Atmospheres
2. Retaining an Atmosphere
3. The Perfect Gas Law
4. Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere; Residence Time
5. Earth Systems Analysis (Tank Experiment)
6. Greenhouse Effect, Habitability
7. Hydrostatic Balance
8. Horizontal Transport
9. Water in the Atmosphere I
10. Water in the Atmosphere II
11. Clouds and Precipitation (Cloud Chamber Experiment)
12. Circulation of the Atmosphere (Exam I review)
13. Global Climate and the Coriolis Force
14. Coriolis Force and Storms
15. Convective Storms
16. Frontal Cyclones
17. Seasons and Climate
18. Seasons and Climate Classification
19. Ocean Bathymetry and Water Properties
20. Ocean Bathymetry and Water Properties
21. Ocean Water Density and Atmospheric Forcing
22. Ocean Currents
23. Ocean Currents and Productivity
24. El Niño
25. Ice in the Climate System
26. Ice and Climate Change
27. Isotope Evidence for Climate Change
28. Global Warming
29. Global Warming II
30. Global Warming III
31. Climate Sensitivity and Human Population
32. The Two Ozone Problems
33. The Ozone Layer
34. Energy Resources, Renewable Energy
35. Renewable Energy
36. Review and Overview
37. Lab - Quinnipiac River Field Trip

This course explores the physical processes that control Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and climate. Quantitative methods for constructing mass and energy budgets. Topics include clouds, rain, severe storms, regional climate, the ozone layer, air pollution, ocean currents and productivity, the seasons, El Niño, the history of Earth's climate, global warming, energy, and water resources.