Study information

Fundamentals of Weather and Climate Science - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEFundamentals of Weather and Climate Science CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM051 MODULE CONVENERDr Stephen Thomson (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

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.

AIMS - intentions of the module

By the end of this module, you will have an understanding of the basic physics of the Earth’s weather and climate, and will comprehend the structure and principal circulations of the atmosphere and the ocean. A good knowledge of these fundamental processes is key for careers involving meteorology, environmental science and modelling, and gives the foundation for the MSc programme in Weather and Climate Science.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Appreciate how mathematics can be used to understand the physics of weather and climate;
2. Comprehend the physics responsible for the general circulation;
3. Understand in detail radiation, dynamics and atmospheric thermodynamics;
4. Demonstrate a familiarity with the terminology and physical mechanisms of common meteorological phenomena;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5. Understand the role of mathematical modelling in real-life situations;
6. Recognise how many aspects of applied mathematics learned in earlier modules have practical issues;
7. Develop expertise in using analytical and numerical techniques to explore mathematical models;
8. Formulate simple models;
9. Study adeptly the resulting equations and draw conclusions about likely behaviours;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

10. Display enhanced numerical and computational skills via the suite of practical exercises that accompany the formal lecture work;
11. Show enhanced literature searching and library skills in order to investigate various phenomena discussed;
12. Demonstrate enhanced time management and organisational abilities.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

  • Motivation: the observed state of the atmosphere
  • Planetary scale energy balance (for planets with and without atmospheres)
  • Surface energy balance
  • Vertical structure and thermodynamics (dry and moist) of the atmosphere
  • Revision of key elements of vector calculus; grad, div, curl, Laplacian, directional derivative, identities, coordinate systems; line, surface and volume integrals, Gauss’ and Stokes’ theorems.
  • Statement of Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible fluid flow and interpretation of the constituent terms, in particular acceleration and pressure.
  • Rotating fluid dynamics: (Geostrophic flow, the thermal wind, Ekman transport, Potential vorticity and quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity).
  • Waves: plane waves, shallow water theory. Key examples of waves relevant to atmospheric dynamics. 
  • Instability (barotropic via Rayleigh and Fjortoft theorems, baroclinic via the Eady model)
  • Wind-driven circulation in the ocean (Ekman spirals, Ekman pumping)
  • Recap of how the theory above explains surface pressure maps, the jet stream, frontogenesis, Hadley and Walker cells etc.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learned and teaching activities 33 Lectures
Guided Independent Study 117 Assessment preparation, wider reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Two coursework sheets, each with problems involving mathematical analysis and physical interpretation 15 hours 1-12 Feedback sheet and oral feedback during lecturer office hour

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 20 Written Exams 80 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework - based on questions submitted for assessment 20 2 assignments, 20 hours total 1-12 Annotated script and written/verbal feedback
Written exam 80 2 hours 1-12 Written/verbal on request, SRS

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written exam Written exam (2 hours) All Referral/Deferral period
Coursework  Coursework All Referral/Deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.  
   
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
  • ELE

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 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 New Edition Oxford University Press 2005 978-0198610496
Set Ambaum, M.H.P. Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere 1st Wiley-Blackwell 2010 978-047074151
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 19th June 2020 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 26th February 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Weather, climate, ocean, atmosphere, fluid dynamics, meteorology

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.