Courses: GEOF327 The General Circulation of the Atmosphere - Autumn 2017

Language of Instruction

English

Teaching semester

Spring, even numbered years. The course only runs if enough students enrol.

Objectives and Content

The course gives the theoretical foundation for large scale flow and energy cycle of the atmosphere. The description of the general circulation of the atmosphere includes the angular momentum budget, zonal mean circulation and large-scale energy transformations. Theories on atmospheric waves in the tropics and extratropics will be covered and theories on selected large scale phenomena such as monsoons, ENSO and the Hadley cell are reviewed.

Learning Outcomes

After completing GEOF327 the student should be able to:

- explain the main large scale circulation phenomena in the atmosphere and understand their mathematical formulation

- explain the fundamental physical mechanisms behind the large scale circulation

- use the mathematical framework in analysis of numerical simulations with weather and climate models

Required Previous Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Meteorology and Oceanography, or equivalent.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

GEOF213 Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean, GEOF352 Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics

Forms of Assessment

Oral. No auxiliary allowed for the exam.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.