<p>Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Aeronomy of upper atmospheres of Earth and other planets and some of their satellites—thermospheric structure and morphology, circulations, and disturbances; ionospheres as collisional and magnetized (unmagnetized) plasmas: currents, drifts, and instabilities. Examples of upper atmospheric interaction with lower atmosphere and magnetosphere. S/U (for majors with consent of instructor after successful completion of written and oral comprehensive examination and for nonmajors at discretion of major department) or letter grading.</p>

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Combining rigorous, inclusive pedagogy with opportunities for co-curricular activities—including research, internships, and community engagement—the College provides students with diverse learning experiences that helps them thrive, become critical thinkers, and transform society.

College of Letters and Science

The department offers a broad curriculum in dynamic and synoptic meteorology, atmospheric physics and chemistry, and upper atmosphere and space physics.

General Catalog

Planetary Upper Atmospheres

A&OSCI205C

4 units