ATM S 542, Spring Quarter 2000

Synoptic and Mesoscale Dynamics

Instructor: Professor Dale Durran
606 Atmospheric Sciences Bldg., 543-7414
durrand@atmos.washington.edu

Lectures: MWF, 9:30-10:20AM, 610ATG

Textbook: An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 3rd Ed., by J. R. Holton. We will also make use of Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics, by Adrian Gill.

Purpose of Course:

Examine the dynamical nature of the synoptic and mesoscale circulations most direclty responsible for the generation of "weather." We will look at atmospheric circulations that arise as a result o either fluid dynamical instabilities or external forcing.

Course Schedule:

I. Ageostrophic flow in the shallow-water system

II. Three-dimensional quasi-geostrophic flow: Text Chapter 6.

III. Instabilities, Part I: Baroclinic Instability: Text Chapter 8

IV. Fronts and Frontogenesis: Text 9.2

V. Instabilities, Part II

VI. Mountain waves: Text 9.4

There will be approximately six problem sets, a final and, if there is student demand, a midterm. Items preceded by ** will be covered if time allows.

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