Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans - 2024 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | MTHM019 | MODULE CONVENER | Prof Geoffrey Vallis (Coordinator) |
| DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 23 |
|---|
This module lays the foundations for an understanding of large scale weather patterns and ocean circulation. It will introduce you to the kinds of dynamics that can occur in stratified and rotating fluids, and introduce key concepts, such as conservation and balance, that are used to understand and analyse such flows.
You will learn to explain, manipulate and analyse mathematical descriptions of different kinds of wave and vortical motion that can occur in stratified and rotating fluids. Furthermore, you will be able to explain the relevance of the mathematical descriptions to large scale motion of the atmosphere and oceans. In addition, you will study the application of a range of mathematical methods, including differential equations, fluid dynamics, Fourier analysis, and the use of small parameters to approximate and simplify problems. The material should develop your ability to relate physical problems to their mathematical formulation.
Pre-requisite module: MTH3001 or equivalent
This is an introductory module on the dynamics of stratified and rotating fluids, with application to atmosphere and ocean dynamics. It will introduce you to the kinds of dynamics that can occur in stratified and rotating fluids, and introduce key concepts, such as conservation and balance, that are used to understand and analyse such flows.
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Explain, manipulate, and analyse mathematical descriptions of different kinds of wave and vortical motion that can occur in stratified and rotating fluids; explain the relevance of the mathematical descriptions to large scale motion of the atmosphere and oceans;
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
2 Demonstrate the application of a range of mathematical methods, including differential equations, fluid dynamics, Fourier analysis, and the use of small parameters to approximate and simplify problems;
3 Relate weather and ocean circulations to the underpinning of mathematical formulation;
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
4 Monitor their own progress;
5 Manage time;
6 Formulate and solve complex problems.
- Equations of motion; hydrostatic balance; equations of motion in a rotating coordinate frame;
- Shallow water gravity waves, phase and group velocity, internal gravity waves, mountain waves and mountain wave drag;
- Rossby number; geostrophic balance; potential vorticity, invertibility; circulation and Kelvin's Theorem;
- Rossby Waves; Poincare waves, the Rossby Adjustment Problem, Rossby radius; Kelvin Waves;
- Quasi-Geostrophic Theory; vertical propagation of planetary waves; Eady model of baroclinic instability;
- Ekman layer, Ekman pumping, Sverdrup balance.
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 33 | Guided Independent Study | 117 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
|---|
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 33 | Lectures/example classes |
| Guided Independent Study | 117 | Book work from lectures; study using reading list; past exam papers. |
| Form of Assessment | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework – Example Sheets | 4 hours per problem sheet | All | Problems class and meeting with lecturer |
| Coursework | 20 | Written Exams | 80 | Practical Exams | 0 |
|---|
| Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Exam – Closed Book | 80 | 2 hours (Summer) | 1-3, 6 | Written/verbal on request |
| Coursework - example sheet 1 | 10 | 4-6 questions, 1-2 pages | 1-5 | Problems class and meeting with lecturer |
| Coursework - example sheet 2 | 10 | 4-6 questions, 1-2 pages | 1-5 | Problems class and meeting with lecturer |
| Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-reassessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Exam* | Written Exam (2 hours) | All | August Ref/Def Period |
| Coursework 1* | Coursework 1 | All | August Ref/Def Period |
| Coursework 2* | Coursework 2 | All | August Ref/Def Period |
*Please refer to reassessment notes for details on deferral vs. Referral reassessment
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set | Holton, J.R. | An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology | 4th | Academic Press | 2012 | 978-0123848666 |
| Set | Gill, A. | Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics | Academic Press | 1982 | 978-1483239439 | |
| Set | Pedlosky, J. | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 2nd | Springer | 1992 | 978-0387963877 |
| Set | Vallis, G.K. | Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics: Fundamentals and Large Scale Circulation | Cambridge University Press | 2006 | 978-0521849692 | |
| Set | Cushman-Roisin, B. and Beckers, J.M. | Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 2nd | Academic Press | 2010 | 978-0120887590 |
| CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | MTH3001 |
|---|---|
| CO-REQUISITE MODULES |
| NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 7 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 12th March 2024 | LAST REVISION DATE | Tuesday 12th March 2024 |
| KEY WORDS SEARCH | Fluid Dynamics; Meteorology; Atmosphere; Ocean |
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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.
