Computational Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
Course content
In this course we will discuss the world's major atmospheric and oceanic circulation systems, how they are coupled, shape climate and control the carbon cycle: the tropical Hadley circulation and the Jetstream as well as the wind and density driven circulations in the ocean, like the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Furthermore, the various wave and instability processes in atmosphere and ocean are explored. These areas of physics are typically referred to as Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD), and they explain the flow not only on Earth but other planets as well - as for example in Jupiter famous Great Red Spot.
The methodological focus will be on the manipulation of the equations of motion to derive simple analytical models of each of these systems. Observations and numerical (Python based) models will then be used to fill these equations with life. In the last week, we will explore how data driven methods can be applied to understand climate.
MSc Programme in Climate Change
MSc Programme in Physics
Knowledge:
The purpose of this course is that the student obtains a basic
understanding of atmosphere and ocean dynamics and how they shape
climate and atmospheric CO2.
Skills:
When the course is finished it is expected that the student is able to:
- Explain the energetics of planetary scale motions
- Understand the relevance of turbulence for climate
- Apply the governing conservation principles (mass, energy and vorticity)
- Explain the basics of Earth's carbon cycle
- Set up, run, and analyse a full computer model of Earth's climate
- Use machine learning methods for prediction
Competences:
The course introduces the student to the equations of motion for a
continuous medium.
The student will learn how to use scaling analysis to reduce the complexity of partial differential equations.
Finally, the student will combine the resulting equations with observations and numerical model results to relate the different forcing mechanisms to the relevant parts of Earth or other extra-solar planets.
Lectures and weekly hand-in exercises.
The following is an example of suggested course material. Final material will be announced in Absalon.
- G.K. Vallis, Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics: Fundamentals and Large-Scale Circulation
A good understanding of classical mechanics. The mathematical
challenges require some knowledge of partial differential
equations. Basic knowledge of Python is helpful, but not necessary.
We will teach all the required Python skills in the first week.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is
recommended.
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Oral examination, 30 minutes (no preparation time)
- Examination prerequisites
-
It is a necessary condition for participation in the exam that at least 5/7 of the weekly numerical experiments have been analysed, written up, submitted and approved.
- Aid
- No aids allowed
- Marking scale
- passed/not passed
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
-
Same as the ordinary exam.
If the student does not meet the exam prerequisite, new written exercises must be submitted no later than 3 weeks before the re-examination and approved no later than 2 weeks before the re-examination.
Criteria for exam assessment
See Learning Outcome
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 30
- Preparation
- 145,5
- Exercises
- 30
- Exam
- 0,5
- English
- 206,0
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NFYK22003U
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedulegroup
-
B
- Capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
- Studyboard
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
- Markus Jochum (7-706d72666b78704371656c316e7831676e)
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Kursusinformation for indskrevne studerende