EAS 5420 - Atmospheric Dynamics

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: familiarity with multivariate calculus is expected, (e.g. MATH 1910, MATH 2220, or equivalent), and one semester of university physics. Co-meets with EAS 3420.

P. Hitchcock.

Introduction to the basic equations and techniques used to understand motion in the atmosphere, with an emphasis on the space and time scales typical of storm systems (the “synoptic” scale). Derives the governing equations of atmospheric flow from first principles and applies them to mid-latitude meteorology. Topics include balanced flow, atmospheric waves, vorticity, and baroclinic instability. Students taking this course at the graduate level (EAS 5420) will have to complete additional questions on the biweekly problem sets and on the prelim and final exams.

Outcome 1: Fluently use concepts of advection, balance, buoyancy, vorticity, and others to describe atmospheric phenomena.

Outcome 2: Demonstrate and derive equations describing atmospheric flows from physical conservation principals (momentum, mass, entropy) and scale analysis.

Outcome 3: Apply and interpret these equations in relevant atmospheric conditions.