ATMOS 5100 Lecture Topics

1. Introduction

1.0 Math Review
1.1 What is "Atmospheric Dynamics"?
1.2 Variables and Units
1.3 Basic operations of vectors
1.4 Differential and integral calculus of vectors

2. Basic Physical Concepts

2.1 Conservation of Momentum
2.2 Fundamental Forces
2.3 "Apparent" Forces
2.4 Structure of the Static Atmosphere
2.5 Scale Analysis

3. The Basic Conservation Laws

3.1 Conservation of Momentum: Navier-Stokes Equations
3.2 Scale Analysis of the Momentum Equations
3.3 Conservation of Mass: Continuity Equation
3.4 Conservation of Energy: Thermodynamic Energy Equation
3.5 The Boussinesq Approximation
3.6 Moist Atmosphere

4. Basic Solutions: Balanced Flow

4.1 Kinematics
4.2 Geostrophic Balance
4.3 Momentum Equations in Natural Coordinates
4.4 Balances in Natural Coordinates
4.5 Thermal Wind Equation
4.6 Vertical motion

5. Circulation, Vorticity and Potential Vorticity

5.1 Circulation
5.2 Vorticity
5.3 Potential Vorticity

Last update: January 5, 2024. By Prof. Zhaoxia Pu