Waves and instabilities
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.
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.
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 once you have registered for the course.
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 once you have registered for the course.
