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Semester 2

Atmospheric Dynamics (METE10001)

Subject

Meteorology

College

SCE

Credits

10

Normal Year Taken

4

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

Introduces the fundamentals of atmospheric circulation that govern weather and climate in the tropics and mid-latitudes. This includes large-scale flows and eddies, the General Circulation and mid-latitude storm systems. Meteorological data will be used to illustrate air flow patterns, jet streams, mid-latitudes cyclones and their intensification.

Course Description

Lectures 1-2: Overview and vertical structureHydrostatic equilibrium in the atmosphere. Potential temperature and its relevance to the vertical stability of a compressible atmosphere.Lectures 3-4: Equations of motion for a rotating EarthThe Navier-Stokes equations for an inertial frame of reference of a compressible fluid based on Newton's first law of motion and the conservation of mass. The Navier-Stokes equations for a frame of reference rotating with the earth. Approximations for large-scale flow. Configuration of forces.Lectures 5-8: Synoptic-scale approximations and frictional forcesThe order of magnitude of forces and accelerations present in synoptic-scale weather patterns. Geostrophic and thermal wind approximations. Estimates of winds in synoptic-scale systems from pressure and temperature gradients. Mean and eddy flow. Wind variation with height due to frictional forces in the boundary layer.Lectures 9-11: Vorticity and DivergenceVorticity and divergence definitions for meteorology. Linking divergence and vertical velocity Potential vorticity and its usefulness as tool for understanding fluid motion.Lecture 12-13: Tropical and mid-latitude circulationsThe experimental evidence from "rotating dishpan" experiments that degree of departure from zonal symmetry depends on rotation rate and horizontal temperature gradients. Axi-symetric flow and conservation of angular momentum. Meridional circulations in the tropics and their relation to the sub-tropical jet.Lectures: 14-16: Rossby wave and cyclone modelsThe motivation for and limitations of atmospheric wave motion as a perturbation from a basic flow. Barotropic and baroclinic conditions. Mid-latitude planetary-scale waves and the Eady model of mid-latitude cyclone growth. Climate change effects on mid-latitude storm behaviour.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 80%, Coursework 20%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Written Exam: 80%, Course Work: 20%, Practical Exam: 0%.The student will answer a series of tutorial style questions and perform calculations. Detailed information on the assessment will be provided in class. Since tutorial style questions also form part of the exam this will provide feedback that will aid with exam preparation. There will be one coursework assignment submission. Submissions should be electronic.Examination at the end of Semester 2 (80%) and tutorial questions (coursework) due Friday in week 9 Semester 2 (20%).

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