Course Description
Fundamental geophysical fluid dynamics of small, medium, and large scale rotating stratified fields. Derivation of the navier-stokes equation, dimensional analyses, quasi-geostrophic approximation, potential vorticity principles, buoyancy-driven flows.
Athena Title
GEOPHYS FLUID DYN
Prerequisite
(MARS 8030 and MATH 2700 and PHYS 1212-1212L) or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Fundamental geophysical fluid dynamics of small, medium, and large scale rotating stratified fields. Derivation of the Navier-Stokes and conservation of mass (continuity) equations, dimensional analyses, quasi-geostrophic approximation, potential vorticity principals, buoyancy-driven flows.
Topical Outline
Basics Forces and Stresses on Fluids Kinematics and Description of Fluid Flow Rotating Frames of Reference F and Beta Planes Dynamics Derivation of Navier-Stokes, Conservation of Mass (Continuity) Equations Lagrangian Motion Vorticity Equation Conservation of Potential Vorticity Geostrophic and Quai-Geostrophic Motion Dimensional Analyses Dynamic Similarity Dimensionless Quantities Instability Theory Conditions for Instability Baroclinic Instability