Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- GEOF313
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English.
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Objectives:
The course presents the governing equations and their application to various phenomena in geophysical fluid dynamics. Topics in atmospheric sciences and oceanography are studied using theory, demonstrations and exercises.
Content:
Main topics are geostrophy; the effect of friction in the surface and bottom boundary layer (Ekman dynamics); waves in homogeneous and stratified fluids, with and without rotation effects; potential vorticity; the quasi-geostrophic framework; and barotropic and baroclinic instability.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should demonstrate the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge:
The student
- understands the governing equations of large-scale motion on a rotating planet
- understands steady state and balanced flows in the atmosphere and ocean
- understands the basics of waves in the atmosphere and ocean
- understands the basic principles of barotropic and baroclinic instability
- understands the basic principles of potential vorticity conservation
Skills:
The student
- can scale and simplify the governing equations for solving basic dynamical problems
- can formulate and solve problems in a geostrophic framework
- can formulate and apply wave theory to various types of waves in the atmosphere and ocean
- can formulate and use Ekman theory
General competence
The student
- is able to discuss basic governing equations in dynamical meteorology and oceanography
- is able to derive, scale and simplify the governing equations
- is able to present and discuss dynamical phenonema in the atmosphere and ocean
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Forms of Assessment
Portfolio assessment.
The portfolio consist of
- one assignment and four out of five exercises account for 30 % of the final grade
- A 4-hour written school exam accounts of 70% of the final grade.
The assignemnt and exercises are valid in the semester in which they are approved and in the following semester.