George Mason University
[January 20, 2026 - 4 May , 2026]
An interdisciplinary introduction to the fundamental physics and chemistry of the atmosphere-ionosphere system. The focus is on the governing equations of atmospheric and ionospheric dynamics with a systems (science) approach to the atmosphere-ionosphere coupling processes. Topics include observational and modeling techniques in Earth’s upper atmosphere as well as recent progress in planetary atmospheres and ionospheres and planetary missions.
EXPL 1004
Monday at 16:30-19:10
Prof. Dr. Erdal Yiğit
(Week 1.) Course introduction & introduction to dynamics of planetary atmospheres
(Week 2.) Basic conservation laws
(Week 3.) Elementary applications of the basic conservation equations
(Week 4.) Atmospheric oscillations
(Week 5.) General circulation
(Week 6.) Dynamics od planetary atmospheres
(Week 7.) Numerical modeling and prediction - 1
(Week 8.) Numerical modeling and prediction - 2
(Week 9.) Introduction to planetary ionospheres and geospace environment
(Week 10.) Transport equations in planetary atmospheres
(Week 11.) Observation of planetary atmospheres and ionospheres
(Week 12.) Chemical processes and Ionization
(Week 13.) Planetary atmospheres and ionospheres - Part 1
(Week 14.) Planetary atmospheres and ionospheres - Part 2
The lecture notes will be self-contained, but the following books could be helpful for additional details.
Dynamic Meteorology by Holton and Ionospheres by Schunk and Nagy,
Planetary Atmospheres, by F. W. Taylor, Oxford
Planetary Climates, A. P. Ingersoll, Princeton University Press
Modeling of Atmospheric Chemistry, by Brasseur and Jacob, Cambridge University Press
Physics of the Atmosphere and Climate, by Sally, Cambridge University Press
Atmospheric and Space Sciences: Neutral Atmospheres, Volume 1, by E. Yiğit, Springer, 2015
Atmospheric and Space Sciences: Ionospheres and Plasma Environments, Volume 2, by E. Yiğit, Springer, 2018
Currently no announcements