
ATM S 441 Autumn 1999
Atmospheric Motions I
Instructor: Professor J. R. Holton
306
Atmospheric Sciences Bldg., 543-4010
holton@atmos.washington.edu
Lectures: MWF, 10:30-11:20 AM, ATG 610.
Text:An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, by J.R.
Holton, 3rd edition, Academic Press, 1992.
Purpose of Course:
To utilize the principles of fluid dynamics to develop an understanding of
why large-scale midlatitude weather systems behave as is observed. For example,
why do upper level winds tend to blow parallel to the isobars? And why do
troughs, instead of ridges, tend to bring unsettled weather?
Course Outline
- I. Introduction. Scale analysis, fundamental forces, rotating
coordinates, Coriolis force, atmospheric statics. (Chapter 1 in text: 1 week)
- II. Basic Conservation Laws. Momentum equation, continuity equation,
thermodynamic energy equation, atmospheric thermodynamics. (Chapter 2 in text:
1.5 weeks)
- III. Applications of the Basic Equations. Isobaric coordinates,
geostrophic flow, inertial flow, cyclostrophic flow, gradient wind, thermal
wind, vertical motion. (Chapter 3 in text: 2 weeks)
[Midterm #1,
October 25, tentative]
- IV. Circulation and Vorticity. Circulation theorem, vorticity, potential
vorticity, vorticity equation, barotropic vorticity equation and numerical
prediction. (Chapter 4 in text:1.5 weeks)
[Midterm #2, November 19
, tentative].
- V. Planetary Boundary Layer. Boundary layer momentum balance, secondary
circulation, spin-down. (Chapter 5 in text: 1 week).
- VI. Midlatitude Synoptic Scale Motions. Observed structure of midlatitude
systems, the quasi- geostrophic system of equations, the potential vorticity
equation, the vertical motion (omega) equation, model of developing system.
(Chapter 6 in text: 3 weeks)
Final Exam: Friday, December 10, 8:30 -
10:30AM.
Grading
Midterms (2) 20% each, Final 30%, Homework 30%.
NOTE: No makeup tests will be provided unless absence is excused in
advance! (In emergency, message can be left with Departmental office at
543-4250, or e-mail to: holton@atmos.washington.edu
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