Atmospheric Dynamics

General

Prefix

AHS

Course Number

375

Course Level

Undergraduate

College/School

College of Science and Engineering

Description

Atmospheric forces, equations of motion in rotating coordinate system. Geostrophic, gradient, and thermal winds. Circulation and vorticity.

Prerequisites

Credits

Min

3

Max

3

Repeatable

No

Goals and Diversity

MN Goal Course

No

Cultural Diversity

No

Learning Outcomes

Outcome

Derive horizontal and vertical equations of motion appropriate for Earth’s atmosphere.

Outcome

Explain how Earth’s rotation creates apparent forces that affect winds.

Outcome

Simplify the equations of motion based on scale analysis in order to derive geostrophic and gradient wind balance.

Outcome

Analyze the vorticity equation as a prognostic tool for atmospheric flows.

Outcome

Apply kinematic principles of divergence, vorticity, and deformation to atmospheric flows.

Dependencies

Courses

AHS375 is a prerequisite for:

Programs

AHS375 is a completion requirement for: