Course Description
A quantitative investigation of atmospheric phenomena, including boundary-layer dynamics; balanced dynamics theory; atmospheric waves; geostrophic adjustment theories; atmospheric instabilities and cyclogenesis theories; frontogenesis theories; jet stream dynamics; introduction to finite difference methods; survey of tropical dynamics and middle atmosphere dynamics.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to engage in integrative
research projects that explore the current literature and
unsolved questions related to atmospheric dynamics topics
covered in this course. These may include investigating the
linkages between atmospheric waves and forecasting challenges,
new applications of atmospheric instability theory, or new
theories of balanced flows. In addition, exams for graduate
students will require synthesis and critique of material via
additional questions requiring more mathematical sophistication
than is expected of undergraduate students.
Athena Title
Atmospheric Dynamics II
Undergraduate Prerequisite
GEOG(ENGR) 4112/6112 or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
GEOG(ENGR) 4112/6112 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
An increased understanding of the fundamental theory of atmospheric dynamics and its application to a wide range of atmospheric phenomena. An appreciation of the physical processes relevant to the atmosphere on a variety of scales and in a variety of locations, from the boundary layer and frontal processes to the tropics and the middle atmosphere. An ability to comprehend the dynamic processes of the atmosphere, such as geostrophic adjustment, that are at the intersection of wave, instability and balance theories. This course meets the following General Education Abilities, by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through writing. This is met by a series of writing assignments associated with supplemental reading of and writing about the atmospheric dynamics literature. Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty electronic interaction, and data analysis activities and homework assignments. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and is developed through homework assignments, lecture, and classroom discussion. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) is addressed as it explores the application of scientific theory to real-world problems in atmospheric science. Moral reasoning is developed through lectures, writing assignments, and classroom discussion.
Topical Outline
Introduction to atmospheric dynamics II Boundary-layer dynamics Balanced dynamics theory Atmospheric wave theory Geostrophic adjustment theories Atmospheric instability theory Cyclogenesis theories Frontogenesis theory Jet stream dynamics and theories Introduction to finite difference methods Survey of tropical dynamics and tropical wave theories Survey of middle atmosphere dynamics