CLIM 711 Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology

 

Instructor: Jian Lu

 

 

Text

• Holton, J. R., An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 3^rd or 4^th edition.

Supplementary Texts

• Gill, A. E., Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics, 1982, 666pp./ISBN: 0-12-283522-0

• Marshall, J., and R. A. Plumb, Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics: An introductory Text , 2008, 319pp.

• Wallace, J. M, and P. V. Hobbs, Atmospheric Science: An introductory Survey , 2^nd Edition, 2006, 483pp.

Advanced Text

• Vallis, G. K., Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics, 2006, 745pp.

 

Prerequisites

• Newtonian physics, calculus, vector calculus, partial differential equations

 

Course work:

• Lectures (30%)
• Weekly problem sets (30%)
• Final exam (40%)

1. Laws of motion [Note 1][Exercise 1]

• Fundamental forces
• Structure of the static atmosphere
• Generalized vertical coordinate, pressure vertical coordinate

 

2. Basic conservation laws [Note 2] [Note 3][Exercise 2]

• Total differentiation, Eulerian and Lagrangian reference frames
• Total derivative of vector
• Rotating frame
• Conservation of momentum in spherical coordinates
• Conservation of mass
• Conservation of energy
• Potential temperature, adiabatic lapse rate
• Static stability
• Scale analysis
• Hydrostatic balance
• Geostrophic balance
• Primitive equations in z coordinates
• Primitive equations in pressure coordinates
• Geostrophic balance
• Thermal wind
• Barotropic flow

 

3. Circulation and vorticity[Note 4]

• Circulation
• Bjerknes theorem (general case)
• Kelvin theorem (barotropic case)
• Relative circulation
• Conservation of angular momentum and ideal Hadley circulation (*)
• Absolute vorticity, relative vorticity
• Natural coordinates: shear and curvature
• Local Cartesian coordinates
• Conservation of potential vorticity
• Examples
• Barotropic (conservation of absolute vorticity)
• Baroclinic mountain forced
• Absolute vorticity eqn.
• Relative vorticity eqn. (vertical component)
• Scale analysis
• Ertel potential vorticity

 

4. Quasi-geostrophic theory[Note 5] [Note 6][Note 7][PV_presentation.tar]

• Barotropic vorticity equation
• Quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation
• Geopotential tendency
• Diagnosis of vertical motion

 

5. Linear waves[Note 8][ Wave_Group_animation ]

• Linear perturbation theory
• Adjustment to geostrophic balance[matlab exercise 7 ]
• Forced topographic waves [Review by Held][Charney_Eliassen 1949 paper]
• Waves-mean flow interaction [Review by Hoskins]

 

6. Baroclinic Instability[Note 9] [Note 10][Slides on Baroclinic Instability]

• Normal mode baroclinic instability: A two-layer model
• Energetics of baroclinic waves
• Baroclinic instability of a continuously stratified atmosphere (Eady model)
• Lorenz energy cycle [Lorenz 1955 paper]
• Goodies from good old time [Charney 1947 paper][Eady 1949 paper][Phillips 1954 paper]

 

7. Midlatitude circulation (Chapter 12 from Vallis) [Review of Midlat Dynamics]

• Surface westerlies and maintenance of a barotropic jet
• Layered models of the midlatitude circulation
• Stratified model and real atmosphere
• Baroclinic eddies and potential vorticity transport

 

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