Catalog Description: This course examines the processes that determine the structure and circulation of the Earth's atmosphere. The approach is deductive rather than descriptive: to figure out the properties and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere based on the laws of physics and fluid dynamics. Topics will include interaction between radiation and atmospheric composition; the role of water in the energy and radiation balance; governing equations for atmospheric motion, mass conservation, and thermodynamic energy balance; geostrophic flow, quasigeostrophic motion, baroclinic instability and dynamics of extratropical cyclones.
Units: 3.0
Prerequisites: Mathematics 53, 54; Physics 7A-7B-7C
Formats:
Fall and/or Spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading Basis: Letter
Final Exam Status: Final exam required
Also Listed As: EPS C181