2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
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2011-2012 University Catalog

CLIM 411 - Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics

Credits: 3 (NR)
The course covers the basic conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy, and a scaling analysis of the equation of motion and the thermodynamic equation; concepts of circulation and vorticity, balanced flows in the atmosphere (e.g., the geostrophic wind and its vertical shear, and the thermal wind relationship), planetary waves and wave-mean flow interaction. It also covers the baroclinic instability theory and energy transfer in the life cycle of the baroclinic eddies, and two-layer quasi-geostrophic theory for the mid-latitude atmospheric general circulation. Hadley circulation dynamics may be discussed if time permits.

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 260, PHYS 261, MATH 214, MATH 313.

Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: 3
When Offered: Fall