2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

CLIM 751 - Predictability of Weather and Climate

Credits: 3 (NR)
Covers fundamental aspects of weather and climate predictability. Using simple dynamical models, illustrates basic theorems on divergence of trajectories in phase space and fundamental periodicity properties of flow. Explores paradigms of turbulence, barotropic and baroclinic instability, and optimal linear growth to describe fundamental error growth mechanisms. Examines examples from real weather forecasting systems. Studies predictability of time averages with simple dynamical models and experiments using complex general circulation models and historical data analysis. Emphasizes roles of boundary conditions of sea surface temperature and soil moisture.

Prerequisite(s): CLIM 711 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: 3
Hours of Lab or Studio per week: 0