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
Chief examiner(s)
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:
- Discuss 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
NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Examination (2 hours): 60%
Assignments: 30%
In-semester tests and support-class activities: 10%
Workload requirements
- Three 1-hour lectures per week
- One 2-hour laboratory/support class per week
- Private study/research time
See also Unit timetable information