General Circulation of atmosphere and ocean, 15 hp
This course deals with the general circulation of the atmosphere and the ocean and how they interact mutually and influence Earth’s climate. The interplay between the large-scale circulation and small-scale physical/chemical processes as well as climate-relevant biogeochemical cycles are considered.
Photo: Johan Nilsson, MISU
Description of the course
The course begins with a description of the observed state of the climate system and a delineation of current main research questions. This is followed by examinations of the atmospheric radiative-convective equilibrium, the tropical and extratropical circulation of the atmosphere, and oceanic wind-driven gyre and meridional overturning circulations. Further, it is considered how the general circulation responds to and interacts with changes of Earth’s mean global temperature are discussed.
Photo: Johan Nilsson, MISU
How is the course organized?
The course consists of lectures.
Examination
Take-home problems.
Schedule
The course does not run every year. A detailed schedule is announced in connection with each course instance.
Course Literature
- G. K. Vallis: Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics
- Research articles
Responsible teacher - contact
Johan Nilsson (nilsson@misu.su.se)
Photo: Johan Nilsson, MISU
Last updated: 2025-10-23
Source: Department of Meteorology