EPS 181, Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics, Fall 2011
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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

  1. Introduction
  2. Scales
  3. Fluid dynamics
  4. Stability
  5. Apparent forces
  6. Pressure coordinates
  7. Balanced flow
  8. Circulation and vorticity
  9. Potential vorticity
  10. Quasi-geostrophic theory (read Holton 6.2, 6.3, 6.4)
  11. Boundary layer
  12. Atmospheric waves

Homework

  1. Due in class Sep 19: Holton 1.6, 1.7, 1.14, 1.16, 1.18, 2.1, 2.2, 2.7
  2. Due in class Sep 28: Handout
  3. Due in class Oct 10: Handout
  4. Due in class Oct 31: Handout
  5. Due in class Nov 14: Handout
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