The Climate System - 2019 entry
MODULE TITLE | The Climate System | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
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MODULE CODE | MTHM025 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr Tim Jupp (Coordinator) |
DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 17 |
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This module is designed to give you an overview of the key physical processes determining the behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere. An informative subtitle might be climate physics for the mathematically literate. Topics covered will include radiative energy transfer, the structure, motion and thermodynamics of the atmosphere, the surface energy balance, and the main components of the general circulation (Hadley cells, Walker cells, jet streams etc.). The emphasis, where possible, will be on simple analytical models for commonly observed phenomena and on the development of physical intuition.
Pre-requisite module: MTH3007 Fluid Dynamics, or equivalent
By the end of this module, you will have an understanding of the basic physics of the Earth’s climate, and will comprehend the principle circulations in the atmosphere and the ocean.
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Comprehend the physics responsible for the general circulation;
2 Understand in detail radiation, dynamics and atmospheric thermodynamics;
3 Demonstrate a familiarity with the terminology and physical mechanisms of common meteorological phenomena;
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4 Apply previously acquired mathematical techniques to the climate system;
5 Appreciate the utility of simple models and nondimensionalisation;
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
6 Apply mathematical skills to the atmospheric sciences.
- Motivation: the observed state of the atmosphere;
- Planetary scale energy balance, equator-to-pole heat transport;
- Surface energy balance (short- and long-wave radiation, sensible and latent heat);
- Vertical structure and thermodynamics of the atmosphere (dry and moist);
- Atmospheric dynamics: convection, rotation, instability and waves.
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 33 | Guided Independent Study | 117 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
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Category | Hours of study time | Description |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 33 | Lectures |
Guided Independent Study | 117 | Assessment preparation; wider reading |
Form of Assessment | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Not Applicable |
Coursework | 50 | Written Exams | 50 | Practical Exams | 0 |
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Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Written Exam – Closed Book | 50 | 2 hours | All | Written/verbal on request |
Coursework – Continuous Assessment 1 | 15 | 25 hours | All | Feedback Sheet |
Coursework – Continuous Assessment 2 | 20 | 30 hours | All | Feedback Sheet |
Coursework – Continuous Assessment 3 | 15 | 25 hours | All | Feedback Sheet |
Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-reassessment |
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All Above | Written Exam (100%) | All | August Ref/Def Period |
If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.
If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 50% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk
Reading list for this module:
Type | Author | Title | Edition | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
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Set | Holton, J.R. | An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology | 4th | Academic Press | 2012 | 978-0123848666 |
Set | Houghton, J.T. | The Physics of Atmospheres | 3rd | Cambridge University Press | 2002 | 978-0521011228 |
Set | Peixoto, J.P. and Oort, A.H. | Physics of Climate | American Institute of Physics | 1997 | 978-0883187128 | |
Set | Marshall, J. and Plumb, R.A. | An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology | Academic Press | 2004 | ||
Set | Dunlop, S. | A Dictionary of Weather | 2nd | Oxford University Press | 2008 | 978-0199541447 |
Set | Ambaum, M.H.P. | Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere | 1st | Wiley-Blackwell | 2010 | 978-047074151 |
CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
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PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | MTH3007 |
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CO-REQUISITE MODULES |
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 7 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
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ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 10th July 2018 | LAST REVISION DATE | Wednesday 7th August 2019 |
KEY WORDS SEARCH | Fluid Dynamics; Meteorology; Weather; Climate; Atmosphere; Thermodynamics; Convection |
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Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.