NFYK22003U Computational Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
MSc Programme in Climate Change
MSc Programme in Physics
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 Gulfstream. 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 derrive simple analytical models of each of these systems. Observations and numerical (Python based) models will then be used to fill these equations with life.
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
- translate laws of nature into Python code
- Set up, run, and analyze a full computer model of Earth's climate
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.
The following is an example of suggested course material. Final material will be announced in Absalon.
Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics
G. Vallis
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 30
- Preparation
- 145,5
- Exercises
- 30
- Exam
- 0,5
- Total
- 206,0
As
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Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minutes
- Type of assessment details
- No preparation time
- Exam registration requirements
It is a necessary condition for participation in the exam that at least 5/7 of the weekly numerical experiments have been analyzed, written up, submitted and accepted.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- passed/not passed
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
The same as the ordinary exam.
A student who did not pass the exam prerequisite can hand in new written excercises until 3 weeks before the re-exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
See Learning Outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK22003U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- B
- Course capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Markus Jochum (mjochum@nbi.ku.dk)