Courses: GEOF352 Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics - Spring 2017
Language of Instruction
English
Teaching semester
Autumn
Objectives and Content
The course treats advanced Atmospheric Dynamics utilitzing the governing equations scaled for various problems ranging from the large- to the meso-scale. The quasi-geostrophic vorticity equation will be used for extended treatment of baroclinic instability, discussing the differences of the Eady, Charney and Phillips models and their relevance to real atmospheric flow. The course will expand the concept of potential vorticity and discuss synoptic to meso-scale atmospheric phenomena in the light of potential vorticity thinking. The concept of eddy-mean-flow interactions and wave breaking will be introduced together with the Eliassen-Palm flux. In this context, vertical and horizontal propagation of Rossby waves will be discussed as well.
Learning Outcomes
After completing GEOF352, students will be able to:
- formulate and solve advanced problems in the quasi-geostrophic framework
- describe and discuss different types of baroclinic instability using quasi-geostrophic theory
- use potential vorticity thinking to diagnose and interpret atmospheric flow
- understand the basics of wave-mean-flow interactions, wave breaking, and the Eliassen-Palm flux
- derive and use dispersion relations for gravity and planetary waves
Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor in meteorology and oceanography or equivalent programs.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
GEOF110, GEOF213, in addition to GEOF100 and GEOF105
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Regular attendance at the lectures and exercises, including presentation of own solutions and scientific papers. Must have attended the written mid-term exam. (Valid for two semesters, including the semester the mandatory activities are approved.)
Forms of Assessment
Mid-term exam, counts 20 per cent of the final grade. Presentation of scientific articles, counts 20 per cent of the final grade. Final exam, oral, 45 minutes. Counts 60 per cent of the final grade and must be passed. Candidates must have attended the mid-term exam and taken part in the student presentation in order to take the final exam. No auxiliary material 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.