Synoptic and Mesoscale Dynamics ("Balance Dynamics") (ATMS542)
Spring Quarter 2001     (3 credits)

Prerequisite: ATMS509 (or OCEANS 512)
Class meets: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30-10:20 am in ATG 610

Instructor: Prof. Gregory Hakim
Office: 602 ATG
Phone: 685.2439
hakim@atmos.washington.edu
Office hours: Drop in, or by appointment.
Course website: http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~hakim/542/

Text: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics by Joseph Pedlosky.
Supplements:

1. An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, by J. R. Holton.
2. Atmosphere - Ocean Dynamics, by A. E. Gill.

• Systematically employ "balance" approximations to derive physical understanding of extratropical circulations.
• Understand instabilities of large-scale flows.
• Explore the simplicity, power, and limitations of dynamics determined solely by potential vorticity.

Syllabus

1. Review: Navier-Stokes, energy, & mass eqns.; coordinates; basic scaling.
2. Simplification to the f-plane primitive equations (PE).
3. Properties of linear PE modes (Rossby & gravity waves).
4. Derivation of the QG equations (PV, w, & height equations).
5. Potential vorticity dynamics (conservation & inversion).
6. Baroclinic & barotropic instability (normal modes of plane-parallel flow).
7. Some aspects of "generalized" stability (non-modal growth).
8. Nonlinear dynamics and turbulence (exact solutions & cascades).

Holiday: 28 May.

Final Exam: Wednesday 6 June 8:30-10:20 p.m.
Grading:
Midterm exam: 30%
Final exam: 45%
Homework: 25%

Back to Spring 2001

Updated March 12, 2001