Dynamical Meteorology I Syllabus

  1. Fundamental physical concepts
  2. Review of the Primitive Equations
  3. Finite differences: A tool in numerical modeling
  4. Kinematics
  5. Vorticity and Circulation
  6. Potential vorticity
  7. Balanced flows
  8. Unbalanced flows
  9. Introduction to the neutral planetary boundary layer
  10. Issues in numerical modeling and prediction


1. Fundamental physical concepts
  1. Coordinate systems
  2. Useful mathematical concepts
  3. Fundamental properties of a fluid parcel
  4. S.I. units
  5. Basic ideas on the Earth and atmosphere
  6. Atmospheric variables
  7. Fundamental forces
  8. Apparent forces
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2. Review of the Primitive Equations
  1. The Continuity Equation and the Equation of State
  2. Equations of fluid motion: The Navier Stokes Equations
  3. Scale analysis of the Navier Stokes equations for synoptic flow
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3. Finite Differences: A Tool in Numerical Modeling
    1. Using Taylor's theorem
    2. Centred differences for derivatives
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4. Kinematics
  1. Moving a parcel: Translation, rotation (vorticity), divergence and deformation
  2. Following the flow: Streamlines and trajectories
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5. Vorticity and Circulation
  1. Definition of circulation
  2. Circulation theorem
  3. Relation between circulation and vorticity
  4. Absolute and relative vorticity
  5. Deriving the vorticity equation
  6. Rossby waves and other consequences of absolute vorticity conservation
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6. Potential Vorticity
  1. Barotropic form (involving fluid depth)
  2. Baroclinic form (involving stability)
  3. Cyclogenesis
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7. Balanced Flows
  1. Geostrophic balance, vg
  2. Thermal wind: Vertical shear of vg
  3. Geostrophic flow in natural coordinates
  4. Inertial flow
  5. Gradient flow
  6. Cyclostrophic flow
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8. Unbalanced Flows
  1. Inertial oscillations
  2. Static stability and the Brunt Vaisala frequency, N2
  3. Inertial stability
  4. Isallobaric wind and the pressure tendency equation
  5. Surface pressure tendency equation
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9. Introduction to the Neutral Planetary Boundary Layer
  1. Frictional stresses
  2. Reynolds' averaging
  3. Mechanical and buoyant production of turbulence
  4. Eddy diffusion theory
  5. Ekman layer and Ekman pumping
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10. Issues in Numerical Modeling and Prediction
  1. Numerical stability
  2. Barotropic and Primitive Equation models
  3. Initialization
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