EPS 181, Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics, Fall 2011

Overview

This course covers the processes that determine the structure and circulation of Earth's atmosphere. The approach of this course is deductive: the properties and behavior of Earth's atmosphere will be derived from the laws of physics and fluid dynamics. Topics will include the governing laws of fluid dynamics, dry and moist thermodynamics, geostrophic flow, quasigeostrophic motion, baroclinic instability, and the dynamics of extratropical cyclones.

Time

M W, 2-3:30

Location

McCone 325

Text

Holton

Prerequisites

Mathematics 53, 54; Physics 7A, 7B, 7C

Grading

Homework 30%, Midterm 30% (October 17, in class), Final 40% (December 15, 3-6)

Office hours

By appointment (377 McCone Hall, romps@berkeley.edu)

Syllabus

• Introduction
• Scales
• Fluid dynamics
• Stability
• Apparent forces
• Pressure coordinates
• Balanced flow
• Circulation and vorticity
• Potential vorticity
• Quasi-geostrophic theory (read Holton 6.2, 6.3, 6.4)
• Boundary layer
• Atmospheric waves

Homework

• Due in class Sep 19: Holton 1.6, 1.7, 1.14, 1.16, 1.18, 2.1, 2.2, 2.7
• Due in class Sep 28: Handout
• Due in class Oct 10: Handout
• Due in class Oct 31: Handout
• Due in class Nov 14: Handout