Atmospheric physics, i.e. that branch of physics that deals with the physical phenomena that occur in the atmosphere, is part of the so-called “Earth System Sciences”. The areas of physics involved are different and, by way of example, we can cite:
Classical mechanics (inertial systems, forces connected to the reference);
Hydrodynamics (equations of fluid motion);
Transport phenomena (diffusion of particles);
Thermodynamics (thermodynamic state, state transitions);
Quantum mechanics (radiation-matter interactions, chemical processes).
The area of the Strait of Messina appears to be a very important natural laboratory for studies related to meteorology. It appears to be one of the areas in the world that present particular difficulties in meteorological prognosis for different reasons, such as the complex position (territory surrounded by two seas with different characteristics and with a high thermal gradient) and the particular orography (mountainous reliefs facing the coasts with steep slopes.
Furthermore, the presence of volcanic ash, released into the atmosphere by active volcanoes such as Stromboli and Etna, actively contributes to the nucleation processes of hydrometeors and, therefore, can act as accelerators in the genesis processes of cumulus systems.
In this framework, two distinct physical-mathematical models have been made operational, regarding:
Finally, innovative physical methods are used to carry out analyzes on climate change, with particular reference to the regional territory of Sicily.
