MR3321 Air-Ocean Fluid Dynamics

A foundation course for studies of atmospheric and oceanographic motions. The governing dynamical equations for rotating stratified fluids are derived from fundamental physical laws. Topics include: the continuum hypothesis, real and apparent forces, derivations and applications of the governing equations, coordinate systems, scale analysis, simple balanced flows, boundary conditions, thermal wind, barotropic and baroclinic conditions, circulation, vorticity, and divergence.

Prerequisite

Multivariable calculus and vectors; ordinary differential equations (may be taken concurrently)

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

• Recognize the links between mathematical equations (including vector and differential equations describing atmospheric motions) and the physical laws governing the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.
• Understand the fluid dynamical equations governing the motion of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, including momentum, continuity, thermodynamic, state and salinity.
• Ability to perform a scale analysis on the equations of motion; derive and apply basic balances such as hydrostatic, geostrophic and gradient wind balances.
• Ability to distinguish between barotropic and baroclinic thermal flows; derive and apply the thermal wind relation.
• Understand concepts of vorticity, potential vorticity and geostrophic adjustment.
• Understand potential vorticity inversion and its application to atmospheric and oceanic flows.