Dynamical meteorology
4 points * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: MAT2010, MAA2011, MAA2032 and either MAA2042 or ATM3172. ATM2121 recommended * Prohibitions: ATM3162
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%
Recommended texts
Holton J R An introduction to dynamic meteorology 3rd edn, Academic Press, 1992
Reeder M J Lectures on dynamical meteorology Department of Mathematics, Monash U, 1994
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