VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Tropospheric chemistry
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:29:49
Abstract
The goal of the lecture is an overview of modern tropospheric chemsitry, which is based on laboratory studies, field measurements and numerical modelling. The topics include particulates (aerosols), photooxidants and polluted depositions, with a particular emphasis on the effect of anthopogenic emissions. The lecture is structured according to scales, i.e. local, regional, continental and global.
Objective
Based on the presented material the students are expected to understand the most relevant processes responsible for the anthropogenic disturbances of tropospheric chemical composition. The competence of synthesis of knowledge will be improved by student's presentations. These presentations relate to a particular actual problem selected by the canidates.
Content
The lecture starts with a description methods generally used in tropospheric chemistry (extension to lecture 701-0471-01, e.g. emission modelling and its verficiation and numerical modelling). The following chapters are: Aerosol pollution (including different sources and processes) and local air pollution (winter smog); regional photo-oxidant pollution in relation to primary pollutants (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds) and urban plumes (summer smog); polluted wet deposition (acid rain); global gas phase chemistry (also relevant for climate change), including the global tropospheric ozone cycle and processes at the tropopause region.
Resources
Lecture Notes
A script including transparencies and notes is available. It can be down loaded by the students.
Literature
- Finlayson-Pitts B.J., Pitts J.N., Chemistry of the Upper and Lower Atmosphere: Theory, Experiments and Applications, Academic Press, 1999. - Handbuch der Umweltveränderungen und Oekotoxikologie, Bände 1A und 1B, R. Guderian (Hrsg.), Springer Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 2000.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Tropospheric chemistry |
|
2 h weekly |