Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean
- ECTS credits10
- Teaching semesterAutumn
- Course codeGEOF213
- Number of semesters1
- LanguageEnglish. Norwegian if only Norwegian speaking students.
- Resources
Level of Study
Bachelor
Full-time/Part-time
Full-time
Teaching semester
Autumn
Enrolment to this course is based on application. Application deadline is Thursday in week 33 for the autumn semester.
Please see this page for more information: https://www.uib.no/en/matnat/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity
Objectives and Content
Objectives
The course aims to present the governing equations and its application of various phenomena in geophysical fluid dynamics. Major topics in the atmosphere and ocean are presented and examined based on theory and exercises.
Content
Major subjects are geostrophy and wind-induced Ekman currents; furthermore wave equations for gravity waves of homogenous and stratified fluid, also including the Coriolis effect. Quasi-geostrophic is used to study planetary and topographic Rossby waves, and barotropic- and baroclinic instability are introduced.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- understands the basic principles of large scale motion on a rotating planet
- understands the governing equations on various phenomena in geophysical fluid dynamics
- understands the basics of waves of the atmosphere and ocean
- understands the basics of steady state motions of the atmosphere and ocean
- understands the basics principles of barotropic - and baroclinic instability
Skills
The student
- can scale and simplify the governing equations for solving basic dynamical problems
- can formulate and solve problems in a geostrophic framework
- can formulate and apply wave theory on surface and internal waves
- can formulate and use Ekman theory to calculate various scenarios of wind forcing
General competence
The student
- is able to discuss basic governing equation in dynamical meteorology and oceanography
- is able to derive, scale and simplify the governing equations
- is able to present and discuss basic topics in the atmosphere and ocean
Required Previous Knowledge
Principles of meteorology and/or oceanogarphy in addition to basic knowledge in maths and physics (mechanics) or equivalent to GEOF110 and MAT212.
This is a theoretical course which requires a solid mathematical background. To follow the course you must be familiar with (and use) concepts like differential equations, partial derivatives, curl, the equation of motion in a rotating frame of reference, the Coriolis force, geostrophic flow, Ekman dynamics. You also need to have basic programming skills in e.g. Matlab, Python or similar.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
GEOF320, GEOF326, GEOF330: 10 ECST
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a program of study at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching method will be lectures, and exercise classes
Two lectures of 2x2 hours per week in 15 weeks
One exercise class of 2 hours per week in 15 weeks
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Three compulsory assignments. Approved assignments are valid in present and subsequent semester.
Forms of Assessment
Mid-term exam, counts 20% of the final and is valid for the actual semester, and the following semester. The final exam is a 5 hour written exam, counts 80% of the final grade, and must be passed.
Autumn 2020 and spring 2021 the final written digtial exam will be a school exam.
Due to the measures taken to avoid the spread of Covid-19, UiB is closed for on-campus assessment. As a consequence, the following changes is made to assessment autumn semester 2020:
- Written home examination instead of written examination
Examination Support Material
None
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Regular exams both in the spring - , and autumn semester. In semesters without teaching, the examination will be arranged early in the semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within June 1st for the autumn semester and January 1st for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department
Programme Committee
The Program Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study program and courses.
Course Coordinator
You will find the responsible and contact persons on «Mitt UiB», or contact studieveileder@gfi.uib.no
Course Administrator
The Faculty of mathematics and sciences by the Geophysical Institute has the administrative responsibility of the course and study program.
Contact
Contact Information
Please contact the student counselor here: studieveileder@gfi.uib.no
Tlf 55 58 26 04
Exam information
For written exams, please note that the start time may change from 09:00 to 15:00 or vice versa until 14 days prior to the exam.
Type of assessment: Skriftlig skoleeksamen
- Withdrawal deadline
- 02.02.2021
Exam part: Skriftlig skoleeksamen
- Date
- 16.02.2021, 09:00
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Examination system
- Inspera
- Digital exam