6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The motion of a density-stratified fluid in a rotating frame of reference; important parameters and their magnitudes; 'homogeneous flows' in the atmosphere and ocean; shallow-water and Rossby-wave motion; western boundary currents; gradient-wind balance and vortex motion; dynamics of stratified fluids, including stability, blocking, internal gravity waves and thermal-wind balance.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Understand the physical theory of the motion of the atmosphere and how it can be constructed from basic principles using mathematical analysis;
- Demonstrate skills in using mathematical techniques to understand the dynamics of the atmosphere;
- Demonstrate high-level knowledge of the important techniques and terminology in dynamical meteorology;
- Apply knowledge to analyse and solve problems in dynamical meteorology.
Assessment
Examination (2 hours): 60%
Assignments: 30%
Quizzes: 10%
Workload requirements
Three 1-hour lectures per week, one 2-hour laboratory/support class per week, plus private study/research time
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
MTH2032 (or equivalent)