EASC2404: Introduction to the Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

This course introduces the physical properties and processes of Earth’s atmosphere and hydrosphere, their interactions, and their importance for weather, climate, oceans, and planetary habitability. Examples connect fundamental concepts to environmental change and observations of Earth and other planets.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• describe the composition, structure, and energy balance of the atmosphere and ocean;
• explain atmospheric stability, clouds, precipitation, winds, and large-scale circulation;
• explain ocean structure, waves, tides, and circulation;
• connect atmosphere-ocean interactions to weather, climate, and environmental change; and
• interpret basic observational data using physical reasoning and quantitative methods.

Core topics

• Origin, composition, and vertical structure of planetary atmospheres
• Solar radiation, heat transfer, and planetary energy balance
• Atmospheric moisture, stability, clouds, and precipitation
• Pressure, winds, storms, and global circulation
• Ocean basins, seawater properties, waves, tides, and currents
• Coupled atmosphere-ocean processes and climate variability
• Human influences, environmental change, and sustainable responses

Current schedules, assessment details, and learning materials are provided to enrolled students through HKU’s learning platform.

Academic integrity

Students are encouraged to discuss scientific ideas and learn collaboratively. Submitted work must remain their own, and all external sources, code, data, and assistance must be acknowledged in accordance with HKU’s academic-integrity requirements.