11:670:324
3 credits
Tuesdays and Fridays,
Prerequisites
Course description
Textbook
Grading
Homework
Attendance
Class schedule
Interesting
links
11:670:323 Thermodynamics of the Atmosphere
01:640:251 Multivariable Calculus
Hydrodynamics of the atmosphere. Equations of motion on rotating earth. Vorticity, potential vorticity, and divergence. Boundary layer dynamics.
Holton, James R., An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 4th Edition, Elsevier Academic Press, Ansterdam, 535 pp.
This textbook is available for purchase at the Cook-Douglass Cooperative Bookstore.
Supplemental
Quiz (mathematical methods, including vector
analysis): 10%
First hourly exam: 20%
Second hourly exam: 20%
Final exam: 20%
All homework problems will be posted on this web site. Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class exactly one week after they are assigned. I will accept late homework assignments through the beginning of the next class after the due date, but your score will be reduced by 50%. Do not unnecessarily reduce your final grade by turning in your homework assignments late. If you have not turned in your homework by the next class after the due date, you will receive a score of zero for that assignment.
In cases of serious emergencies or University-sanctioned schedule conflicts, make-up exams will be given if I am notified in advance. Only in cases of serious medical or personal emergencies will a make-up exam be given if I am not notified in advance, and a note from a physician or the Dean's office will be required. Message: Show up and take your exams at their scheduled time!
You are required to adhere to the
Attendance is not taken in this class, although the size of the class makes it very easy for me to notice whether or not you attend. I do not grade on the basis of attendance, but in borderline cases I will not be very sympathetic to students who are frequently absent.
Note: Except for the dates of exams and quizzes, this schedule may change
slightly. Adjustments may be made based on our rate of progress through the
material.
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Date |
Topic |
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Notes |
Homework |
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January 22 |
Class
cancelled (AMS Annual Meeting) |
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January 25 |
Course overview; Review of basic mathematics |
H1.2 |
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January 29 |
Review of vector analysis |
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February 1 |
How to solve problems |
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February 5 |
Quiz |
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February 8 |
Fundamental forces |
H1.1 H1.4, W&H 7.2.2 |
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February 12 |
Fixed vs. rotating frames of reference |
H1.5 H2.1, W&H 7.2.1 |
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February 15 |
Momentum equation in
rotating coordinates |
H2.1 H2.2 |
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February 19 |
Momentum equation in spherical coordinates |
H2.3, |
HW #1 Due |
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February 22 |
Classes at |
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February 26 |
Scale analysis of momentum
equation; |
H2.4 |
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February 29 |
Hydrostatic equation; |
H1.6 |
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March 4 |
Using GEMPAK to visualize
meteorological data |
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Meet in ENR
323 |
HW #2 Due |
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March 7 |
Hourly exam #1 |
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March 11 |
Balanced flow; Natural coordinates |
H3.2.1 |
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March 14 |
Types of balanced flow |
H3.2.2, H3.2.3, |
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March 18, 21 |
Spring break |
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March 26 |
Note change in date |
H3.4 |
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March 28 |
Continuity equation; Scale analysis of continuity equation |
H2.5 |
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April 1 |
Application of continuity eq. to vertical motion; Meaning and calculation of velocity divergence |
H3.5 |
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April 4 |
Thermodynamic energy
equation; |
H2.6 |
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HW #3 Due |
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April 8 |
Chaos and numerical weather prediction |
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April 11 |
Hourly exam #2 |
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April 15 |
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One-page summary
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April 18 |
Vorticity and its physical interpretation; |
H4.2, H4.3 |
Summary due
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April 22 |
Potential vorticity; Vorticity equation |
H4.4.1 |
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April 25 |
Vorticity equation in
p-coordinates; |
H4.4.2
H4.4.3 |
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April 29 |
Introduction to turbulence |
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May 2 |
Introduction to turbulence (cont.) |
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May 12 |
Final Exam (8:00-11:00 AM) |
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