OC4323 Air and Ocean Numerical Prediction Systems

Numerical models of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena. Major components and sources of error for operational primitive equation prediction systems. Data assimilation concepts, techniques, and limitations. Finite difference, spectral, and finite element methods, computational instability, and approximation error. Horizontal grid variants, vertical coordinate systems, and factors affecting resolution. Overview of subgridscale processes and boundary conditions: physical parameterizations of moisture and convection; land surface models; air-ocean coupling; ocean surface forcing; topography and bathymetry; hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic ocean models. Verification methods and model output. Introduction to uncertainty, chaos, and ensembles.

Prerequisite

MR4322, OC4211, partial differential equation, MA3232 desirable.

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

2

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, student will be able to:

·      use finite difference finite volume, and finite element modeling to integrate differential equations,

·      describe and quantify the atmospheric forcing functions,

·      understand computational instability,

·      describe hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic models quantitatively,

·      use multilayer and multiprimitive equations,

·      treat non-spherical geometries,

·      use a continuous sigma coordinate system for coupled ocean-atmospheric models,

·      describe the process of data assimilation, and

·      describe structured and unstructured grids for numerical solution of partial differential equations.