NFYK16007U Dynamical Models for Climate and NWP
MSc Programme in Physics
This is a course on atmospheric dynamical modeling, which is a fundamental component of both modern climate models and numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. The course is intended for students who are interested in the design of modern geophysical fluid dynamical (GFD) modeling with primary emphasis on climate (annual time scales and longer) and NWP models (typically time scales from hours and up to about one month).
In more detail the course covers the following subjects:
- The governing equations and approximations based on analytic scale analysis
- Waves and oscillations permitted by the governing equations
- Numerical methods and typically used approximations of these for solving the governing 7-8 coupled, non-linear, partial differential equations.
- Theory of numerical stability and computational dispersion.
- The dynamical core of state-of-the-art climate and NWP models, i.e., how is the whole model typically designed.
- Brief description of the parameterization of un-resolved processes: radiation, convection, PBL …
- Data assimilation – i.e., the science of generating a full 4-dimensional description of the atmosphere from mostly satellite based intermittently observed data, which typically are completely different from classical parameters as temperature, pressure, wind and humidity. The result, analyses, are used for, e.g., analyses of climate variability and as initial condition for NWP.
- Predictability and chaos.
- Ensemble forecasting – which is fundamental to quantify uncertainties.
The course will include examples from the real world and in particular we will investigate the ECMWF IFS, which is used for both NWP and global climate modelling (including scenarios for future anthropogenic climate change).
Skills
The course will give the students an understanding of the design
and application of GFD modeling with emphasis on atmospheric models
in NWP, in climate modeling and for more theoretical studies in
numerical experimentation.
Knowledge
The student will know how a dynamical atmospheric model operates,
what its main components are, and for which applications it can be
used. The students will also have insight in how atmospheric models
are validated and what there limitations are.
Competences
This course will provide the students with a state-of-the-art
background for further studies within geophysical fluid dynamical
modeling, not only of the atmosphere but also for the oceans since
many features of the models are similar. After taking this course
the students will have the needed introductory competence to start
working in an NWP or climate modeling research lab.
The final teaching material will be announced on Absalon. The following is the expected course litterature.
The course is partly based on a book by the former director of the US National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), Eugenia Kalnay, and partly on lecture notes:
- Eugenia Kalnay (2003): ”Atmospheric Modeling, Data Assimilation and Predictability”. Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 978-0-521-79629-3
- A vast amount of supplementary updating lecture notes written by the course responsible teacher, Eigil Kaas. The notes are in the form of slides but typically the mathematical derivations will also be detailed on the black-board.
Although the book by Kalnay is relatively old, it is, however, still relevant.
Some experience in programming is required in either Python, Modern Fortran, C++, or, for the dinosaurs, in Matlab. Other programming languages can also qualify as ”recommended” (except for Excel). Please, contact the teacher (Eigil Kaas) for a discussion, if you are in doubt.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 135,5
- Theory exercises
- 14
- Practical exercises
- 14
- Exam
- 0,5
- Total
- 206,0
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 25 minutesThe oral exam will be without aids in an unknown subject.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
more internal examiners
- Re-exam
The same form as the ordinary exam
Criteria for exam assesment
See learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK16007U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- no limitation
- Course is also available as continuing and professional education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Eigil Kaas (4-716767794674686f34717b346a71)