PHYS419

Atmospheric, Oceanic and Climate Dynamics

15 points

Not offered 2024, offered in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023

For further information see School of Physical & Chemical Sciences

Description

Principles of the dynamics of a rotating fluid applied to large-scale motion of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans and climate will be detailed. The first portion of the course will focus on atmospheric thermodynamics and large-scale dynamics in the atmosphere. Details of the global energy balance driving the observed general circulation of the atmosphere and the impacts of variations in atmospheric composition (changes in greenhouse gases) and solar irradiance on this energy balance will be discussed. The latter section of this course will examine ocean dynamics and their linkages to atmospheric circulations, the El Niño Southern oscillation will be used as an example of atmosphere-ocean linkages in this discussion.

Prerequisites

(1) PHYS201 or PHYS202 or PHYS203; (2) MATH103 or MATH109 or EMTH119 or MATH201. RP: MATH202

Restrictions

PHYS316, PHYS418, PHYS446, PHYS319

Recommended Preparation