Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to explain many common meteorological phenomena using fluid dynamics; review the equations of motion in an inertial reference frame, and to extend them to a rotating frame of reference; explore the constraints rotation places on fluid motion; understand the dynamics of Rossby waves; compare the role of rotation in atmospheric vortices of different scales; explore how rotation affects the structure of the boundary layer; investigate the effects introduced by stratification.
Synopsis The application of fluid dynamics to atmospheric flow, motion in a rotating frame, Coriolis force and geostrophic flow. Vorticity equation. Pressure coordinates. Balanced curved flow. Ekman boundary layer. Stratified fluids and the thermal wind. Gravity waves.
Assessment Examinations (1.5 hours): 85% + Assignments: 15%