OC3321 Air-Ocean Fluid Dynamics

A foundation course for studies of atmospheric and oceanographic motions. The governing dynamical equations for rotating stratified fluid 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

Multi-variable calculus, vectors, and ordinary differential equations (may be taken concurrently)

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Statement Of Course Objectives

 

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be able to:

·      state the governing equations of motion for planetary fluids,

·      link the mathematics of fluid mechanics with the physics of the earth’s atmosphere and ocean,

·      apply scale analysis and similitude to dynamical equations and justify approximations,

·      distinguish between barotropic and baroclinic structures,

·      understand the concepts of vorticity, potential vorticity, and invertibility.