Professor J. R. Holton
Office: 408a Atmospheric Sciences-Geophysics (ATG) Bldg.
Phone: 543-4010
e-mail: holton@atmos.washington.edu
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?
Text: Holton, An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology (3rd Ed., Academic Press, 1992)
Content: Course will include lectures and weekly problem assignments. Problem assignments will consist of problems similar to those in the text plus Matlab exercises. [NOTE: Graduate students registered for ATMS 503 will attend the 441 lectures but will have additional problem assignments and will be graded separately from the undergraduates registered for 441]
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: Wednesday, October 17 ]
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: Friday, November 9 (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 )
Midterm #1: Monday, Octber 27
Midterm #2: Wednesday, November 19
Final Exam: Friday, December 12, 8:30-10:20 am
Grading: Midterms (2) 15% each, Final 30%, Homework 40%.
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)