MTO 357E - Physics of Upper Atmosphere

Course Objectives

1. To introduce the physical and dynamical structure of the upper atmosphere
2. To study the variability of the upper atmosphere
3. To study the interaction between Solar phenomena and upper atmosphere
4. To study the physical and dynamical coupling mechanisms between upper and lower atmosphere.
5. To introduce and expose the importance and the role of upper atmosphere in whole atmosphere problems and their solutions.

Course Description

In this class, the general physical and dynamical structure of the upper atmospheric layers, namely, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Ionosphere and Magnetosphere, are studied using theory, available simple models and satellite and/or ground based data. In addition, the Sun, atmospheric layers of the Sun and solar activity, interaction between solar flares and CMEs and upper atmosphere, space weather concept and its effects on upper atmosphere, Sun-Cosmic Ray-Climate interaction are studied. Practical implications of upper atmospheric variability towards meteorological and space engineering are given.