Waves and instabilities
The course covers the central dynamical phenomena in the atmosphere and ocean: large scale waves and barotropic and baroclinic instability, showing how they be explained with the help of fundamental equations of geophysical fluid dynamics.
The course shows how various dynamical phenomena in atmosphere and ocean (geostrophic adjustment, geostrophic and quasigeostrophic flow, Rossby, Kelvin, Poincaré and equatorial waves) emerge from the same underlying theory of geophysical fluid dynamics. The course also covers barotropic and baroclinic inistability. Although focusing on applications of Shallow Water Equations, the theory taught during the course is relevant for the more complex systems of equations used in climate models and operational weather models.
The course is a part of the Master’s Programme in Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanography and Climate Physics, but may also be taken as an individual course. Example applications span planetary atmospheres and astrophysical plasmas, so students interested in these topics might also find the course relevant.
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Course structure
Learning outcomes: After taking this course the student is expected to be able to explain geophysical phenomena in atmosphere and ocean using basic equations of geophysical fluid dynamics and to couple the theory for barotropic and baroclinic instability to observed weather- and ocean phenomena.
Teaching format
The teaching consists of lectures and tutorials including: theory exercises, weather discussions, a computer lab and a rotating tank lab. Participation in labs and the associated group tutorials is compulsory. Under special circumstances, the student may be granted exemption from certain parts of the compulsory teaching.
The teaching language is English.
Course material
Course materials and correspondence related to the course will be available on the course Athena site at https://athena.itslearning.com once you have registered for the course.
Assessment
Assessment consists of delivery reports, active participation in weather discussions, and written examination. Grading criteria and more information will be available on the course Athena site at https://athena.itslearning.com once you have registered for the course.
Examiner
Here is a link to a list of course coordinators and examiners.
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.You can search for schedules from previous years in TimeEdit, by entering the course code.
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Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Geoffrey K. Vallis: Essentials of Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, 2019. ISBN: 1107692792.
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Course reports
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Contact
Study counselor
