Home » Academics » Academic Divisions » Meteorology & Physical Oceanography » Academics » Graduate Program » Courses Syllabus

Graduate Program

Courses Syllabus

COURSE TITLE CREDITS SEMESTER
MPO 503 Principles of Physical Oceanography 3 Fall*
MPO 511 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics I 3 Fall*
MPO 518 Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere 3
MPO 521 Estuarine and Coastal Processes 3
MPO 531 Physical Meteorology 3
MPO 542 Satellite Oceanography 3
MPO 551 Introduction to Atmospheric Science 4 Fall*
MPO 552 Synoptic Meteorological Laboratory 1 Fall*
MPO 561 Tropical Meteorology 3 Spring#
MPO 611 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics II 3 Spring*
MPO 612 Large-Scale Ocean Circulation 3 Spring*
MPO 615 Numerical Weather Prediction 3 Spring
MPO 621 Waves and Tides I 3 Fall*
MPO 623 Statistical Analysis of Geophysical Data 3 Spring*
MPO 624 Statistical Modeling of Geophysical Fields 3
MPO 631 Air-Sea Interaction 3 Spring*
MPO 632 Climate Dynamics 3 Spring
MPO 633 Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer 3 Spring#
MPO 650 Coastal Oceanography 3 Spring
MPO 661 Synoptic-Scale Meteorology 3
MPO 662 Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics 3 Spring*
MPO 663 Convective and Mesoscale Meteorology 3
MPO 664 Atmospheric and Oceanic Turbulence 3 Spring#
MPO 665 General Circulation of the Atmosphere 3 Spring*
MPO 671/674 Advanced Studies 1-4

* scheduled for every year
# scheduled once every two years

MPO 503

Introduction to Physical Oceanography

Instructor:
Arthur J. Mariano
amariano@rsmas.miami.edu
RSMAS/MPO
MSC 210
305-421-4193
Texts:
Introductory Dynamical Oceanography-Pond and Pickard (PP)
Descriptive Physical Oceanography-Pickard and Emery (PE)
Ocean Circulation-Open University (OC)
Waves, tides and shallow-water processes (WT)
Intro. to Physical Oceanography (JK)
Grading:
Midterm 40%
Final 40%
Project 20%
http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu

Application of the laws of physics to the study of the properties
and circulation of the world's oceans and atmosphere. It will be
assumed that you know Newton's 3 Laws, linear and angular momentum
conservation; basic properties of sea water; the concepts of density,
temperature, heat and energy; what one-dimensional derivatives and
integrals are and how to solve second-order differential equations.

Introduction (JK1)
Atmosphere and Ocean (OC1-2,JK3)
Vector Calculus Review

Seawater, Equation of State (PE1-3.5,PP1-3,JK2)
Property Distribution (PE4)
Conservation Laws, Hydrostatic balance (PP4,JK4)
Small Scale Mixing/Stability (PP5)
Navier-Stokes Equation, rotating coordinate systems (PP6,JK5)
Turbulence (PP7)
Waves (WT1,PP12.1-12.2,JK9)
Surface Gravity Waves (PP12.3-12.7)

Sound waves and ocean acoustics (PE3.7,JK12)
Inertial currents, Poincare Waves, Kelvin Waves (PP12.10,OC5.3)
Geostrophy (PP8.4-8.10) (OC3.3,JK6)
Problem Session
Midterm Exam
Geostrophy
Ekman Spiral and Transport (OC3.1,PP8.1-8.2, PP9.1-9.4)
Vorticity, Rossby Waves (OC3.4-3.6)
Sverdrup Flow, Western Boundary Currents (PP9.5-9.8, OC4)

Wind-driven ocean circulation, Equatorial Currents (PP9.10,JK7)
El Nino, Monsoons (PP9.13, OC5)
Ocean Variability (OC4.3, JK8)
Thermohaline Circulation (PE5,7,OC6,PP10)
Video
Tides (PP13, WT2, JK10)
Coastal regions (WT3-4,PE8, JK11)
Problem Session
Class Projects

Exam

Back to top

MPO 511

MPO 511 - Geophysical Fluid Dynamics I, Prof. Eric Chassignet

Outline:
  1. Fundamentals
  2. Basic Equations of Motion
  3. Effects of Rotation
  4. Geostrophic Balance
  5. Circulation and Vorticity
  6. Shallow Water Equations
  7. Simple Wave Types
  8. Stratification
  9. Effect of Friction
Textbooks:

Cushman-Roisin, Introduction of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, 1994

Pedlosky, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, 1987

Gill, Ocean Atmosphere Dynamics, 1982

Holton, Introduction to Dynamicl Meteorology, 1992

Back to top

MPO 542

Satellite Oceanography

An introduction to satellite remote sensing of the ocean.

Propagation and sensing of EM waves and their interaction and scattering with the ocean's surface;

Atmospheric absorption and scattering of microwave, visible and infrared radiation;

Celestial mechanics for understanding orbital dynamics and geometric distortions;

Brief review of electromagnetic wave theory, antenna patterns and ocean surface processes;

Detailed survey of major instruments for measuring oceanographic variables from space;

Applications of visible, infrared, and microwave observations using objective, multispectral, and characteristic vector analysis;

Emphasis on new methodologies, error assessments, sampling considerations and data interpretation

Back to top

MPO 551

Introduction to Atmospheric Science

Instructor:
Profs. Chidong Zhang (305-421-4042, czhang@rsmas.miami.edu)
Reference books:

Atmospheric Sciences - An Introductory Survey
J. M. Wallace and P. V. Hobbs

Atmospheric Thermodynamics
C. F. Bohren and B. A. Albrecht
Oxford

Physics of Climate
J. P. Peixoto and A. H. Oort
American Institute of Physics

Global Physical Climatology
D. L. Hartmann
Academic Press

Cloud Dynamics
R. A. Houze, Jr.
Academic Press

Class Elements:
lectures, reading assignments, discussions, tests (2), project (1)
Materials:
  1. Introduction
    — distribution of air mass, pressure, temperature, precipitation, and winds
    — atmospheric composition and photochemical reaction
  2. Atmospheric Thermodynamics
    — the gas laws, the first law of thermodynamics, temperature and humidity variables*
    — the hydrostatic balance, adiabatic processes
    — static instability
  3. Cloud Microphysics and Storms
    — Nucleation of water vapor condensation
    — Growth of cloud particles
    — Severe storms*
  4. Atmospheric Dynamics
    — coordinate systems, apparent and real forces, equation of motion
    — geostrophic wind, thermal wind
    — thermodynamic equation, the hydrostatic equations
    — continuity equation, divergence and convergence
  5. Atmospheric Radiation
    — solar and terrestrial radiation, radiation spectra*
    — blackbody and graybody radiation*
    — radiative balance of the earth, “greenhouse effect”
  6. Physical Climatology
    — Global energy balance*
    — Climate variability*
    — Climate feedback mechanisms
  7. Project topics
    — The Intertropical Convergence Zones
    — The Hadley Circulation
    — The Walker Circulation
    — El Niño - Southern Oscillation
    — Global warming
    — Regional Climate: African drought, Great Plains drought/flood

Reading assignment and class discussions:

  • Read about the topics with "*"; Find your own reading materials; Take good notes;
  • Lectures will be replaced by class discussions for these topics;
  • One student will lead the discussion of one topic;
  • Every student must actively participate in the discussion;

Project:

  • Choose one of the Project Topics;
  • Write a report of 15 — 20 pages (double space, 12 point fonts) including title, abstract, main text body, plus references, 3 — 5 figures, and figure       captions;
  • At least 30 references of journal articles should be included, one-third of them being the earliest publications on the subject you can find, one-third the most significant   (influential) ones, and one-third the most recent (last 10 years) ones;
  • Include the following items in the report: historical account, fundamental features, scientific significance, unsolved problems, main controversies in current understanding,   and your recommendations on future research on the topic;
  • present orally your report (one hour presentation plus 15 min for questions) November 18 — December 4;
  • present your report on MPO Meteorology web site (work on your own web site first and then either provide a link or copy it to the MPO Meteorology home page).

Hint:

  • start early (find references, learn word processing, web and presentation skills); consult with senior students and the instructor;
  • read a lot, not to stick with one or two papers;
  • think deep and broad; go beyond what you typically can find from the WWW;
  • follow the AMS publication style in the report writing;
  • no grade will be given without the project completed.

Back to top

MP0 552

Synoptic Meteorological Laboratory

Instructor:
Dr. Sharan Majumdar
MSC 326
Phone: 305-421-4779
e-mail: smajumdar@rsmas.miami.edu
Objectives:
To develop an understanding of the structure and evolution of synopticscale weather systems. To use observational data to create weather analyses, in a laboratory setting.
Classes:
Thursday, 3:00-5:00pm, MSC 329

The course will be less formal than traditional classes, with an emphasis on student participation and discussion. Student collaboration (but not copying) in solving problems is encouraged! The first part of each class will usually be used to discuss theoretical aspects, and the remainder will be used to apply the concepts to weather situations in the lab.

Course Website:
http://orca.rsmas.miami.edu/~majumdar/mpo552
Useful Texts:
Introduction and Historical Perspective

Extratropical Synoptic Disturbances: surface weather elements, surface and upper-air analyses, interpretation of observations, vertical soundings, integrated horizontal and vertical structure of synoptic weather systems, application of quasi-geostrophic theory.

Tropical Weather Analysis: streamline analysis, equatorial waves and tropical cylones.

Satellite Meteorology: Basic radiative properties used in remote sensor, orbits, navigation and real-time sampling, satellite instrumentation, observations of clouds, precipitation, water vapor and winds.

Laboratory Exercises: Real-time synoptic data sets, decoding hourly surfacereports, plotting surface observations, rawinsonde data, plotting upper-air observations, Skew-T Log-P diagrams and analysis of atmospheric static stabiliy, geopotential height, analysis of surface, 850, 500 and 250hPa charts, geostrophic, sub- and super-geostrphic flow, evolution of extratropical cyclones using surface/upper-air analysis and satellite data

Back to top

MPO 561

TROPICAL METEOROLOGY

Spring Semester

Description:

Observed structure of large-scale tropical circulations, including the Trades, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the Walker circulation, tropical monsoons, equatorial wave disturbances, etc.; overview of tropical climate, including El Niño/Southern Oscillation, etc.; formation, structure, and dynamics of tropical cyclones; interactions between tropical convection and large-scale circulations, equatorial waves and flow instabilities.

Prerequisite(s): MPO 511 or MSC 405, MPO 551 or MSC 407, or Permission of Instructor

Back to top

MPO 611

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics II

Hartmut Peters Office: MSC 303. Phone: (305) 421-4032. hpeters@rsmas.miami.edu

Goals

Overall goal:

Provide a thorough understanding of the theory of stratified flows in a thin shell on a rotating planet.
This class addresses inviscid stratified mesoscale and largescale processes. Focus is on time-variable phenomena, such as Rossby waves, and on their role in the global ocean circulation. We study the interaction of waves and “mean” flows and among waves.

Topics

    Introductory Remarks
  1. Quasi-Geostrophic Scaling
    1. Scaling - Filtering - Approximations
    2. Inviscid Equations of Motion
    3. Approximations
    4. Thermodynamics and Equation of State
    5. Summary of Equations - ß-Plane and f-Plane Approximations
    6. Quasi-Geostrophic Motions
      • Rossby motions
      • Burger-Sverdrup motions
      • Sverdrup regime (seminar?)
      • Ekman layers - viscosity (seminar?)
  2. Rossby Motions and Waves
    1. Linear Rossby Waves in a Stratified Fluid:
      • dispersion characteristics, energy propagation
      • modal structure, wave reflection, observations (seminar)
    2. Topographic BaroclinicRossby Waves in the Ocean
    3. Vertically Propagating Rossby Waves in the Atmosphere
      • Modal and Two-Layer Models
    4. Surface Intensification of Wind-Induced Currents
  3. Energy Relations, Non-Interaction and Eliassen-Palm Fluxes (Or how waves can [and can not] feed energy and momentum to the “mean”)
    1. Energy Relationships in Zonal Averages
    2. Non-Interaction and Eliassen-Palm Fluxes
      • Atmospheric energetics (seminar)
  4. Instability Theory (Or how the waves can grow at the expense of the “;mean”;)
    1. Introduction
    2. Necessary Conditions for Flow Instability
    3. Barotropic Instability
    4. Conditions for Instability in Three-Dimensional Flow
    5. Baroclinic Instability
      • Eady model
      • Charney model
      • Two-layer model
    6. Annulus experiments
    7. Propagation of Rossby waves, instability and overreflection
    8. Non-geostrophic instabilities:
      • Inertial instability
      • Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (seminar)
  5. Non-geostrophic Waves
    1. Extra-tropical Poincaré and Kelvin Waves
    2. The equatorial wave guide
      • Role of equatorial Kelvin waves and Rossby waves in El Niño (seminar)
      • Topographically trapped waves, edge waves etc. (seminar)

Assignments

  1. Every student has to present one ~ 1/2 h seminar. Topics are indicated above as “seminar.”
  2. There will be ca. 4-6 homework assignments.

Grades
Grades will be based on midterm (ca. 25%) and final exam (ca. 35%), on homework assignments (ca. 25%) and seminar presentation (ca. 15%).

Textbooks

  • J. Pedlosky: “Geophysical Fluid Dynamics” (Springer Verlag, 1st ed. 1979, 2nd ed. 1987)
  • A. E. Gill:“Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics” (Academic Press, 1982)
  • J. Holton: “Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology” (Academic Press, 1979)
  • B. Cushman-Roisin: “Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics” (Prentice Hall, 1994)
  • I. N. James: “Introduction to Circulating Atmospheres” (Cambridge Univ. Press, 1994)
  • S. G. Philander:  “El Niño, La Niña, and the Southern Oscillation” (Academic Press, 1990)

The syllabus of the class has evolved over the years at RSMAS. It does not exactly follow any textbook. In order to enable students to better listen and think in class, copies of the instructor’s notes will be handed out.

Back to top

MPO 612

Large-Scale Ocean Circulation

Spring 1998 Dr. Donald Olson

EXAM I

  1. Discuss the expected changes in the structure of a western boundary current made up of an inner Munk layer coupled to an outer inertial layer.
    1. The pole to equator temperature gradient at the ocean surface is doubled.
    2. The earth's rotation rate is increased by a factor, = o + .
    3. The earth's radius was 50% larger with the same ratio of ocean to continent.
  2. Make sure you clearly state the assumptions you are making. Draw a sketch of the various currents versus x.
    1. Use conservation of potential vorticity to show that southern hemisphere high and low pressure eddies both move westward.
    2. What tendency does finite relative vorticity produce in the translation of northern hemisphere cyclones and anticyclones.
  3. Consider the system sketched in the attached figure. Discuss the flow around the island system in each case. You need to use both conservation of potential vorticity and remember the direction in which edge or Kelvin waves can adjust pressure distribution to set up the final flow balance. Can you find examples of these geometries in the actual ocean circulation? Quote any literature sources you make use of.

Back to top

MPO 615

Numerical Weather Prediction

Lectures: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 PM, MSC 329
Instructor: Professor Shuyi S. Chen
Office: MSC RM 369
Phone: 305-421-4048
Email:schen@rsmas.Miami.edu

Reference/Text Books:

  • Haltiner, G.J., and R.T. Williams, 1980: Numerical Prediction and Dynamic Meteorology, Wiley, and Edition, 477 pp.
  • Kalnay, E., 2003: Atmospheric Modeling, Data Assimilation and Predictability, Cambridge, 339pp.
  • Durran, D.R., 1999: Numerical Methods for Wave Equations in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Springer, 465 pp.

Course Outline:

  1. Introduction
    • Overview of numerical weather prediction (NWP)
  2. The Governing Equations
    • Continuous equations
    • Map Projections
    • Alternate vertical coordinates
    • Basic wave oscillations in the atmosphere
    • Filtering approximations
  3. Numerical Methods
    • Basic finite-difference methods (time- and space- differencing, stability analysis, etc.)
    • Series-expansion methods (spectral method, spherical harmonics, finite-element method)
    • Physical insignificant fast waves
    • Boundary conditions
  4. Applications for NWP
    • Global models
    • Regional models
    • Nonhydrostatic high-resolution models
  5. Parameterization of Subgrid-Scale Physical Processes
    • Atmospheric boundary layer
    • Surface fluxes (including both land and oceanic interface processes)
    • Moist physics (cumulus convection, microphysics, etc.)
    • Radiation
  6. Data Assimilation
    • Objective analysis schemes
    • 3D-Var and 4D-Var
    • Initialization — dynamical and physical balance in the initial conditions
  7. Predictability and Ensemble Forecasting
    • Fundamental concept about chaotic systems and atmospheric predictability
    • Operational and research ensemble forecasting

Grading:
Homework/Lab Exercise (30%), Midterm Exam (30%), Final Project Presentation/Report (40%).

Back to top

MPO 621

Waves and Tides I

Prof. Kevin Leaman

Outline:

PART I. Introduction

  1. Preliminaries
  2. Basic Equations
  3. Equations in a Spherical Coordinate System
  4. Stability and Approximations for Density
  5. A Simple Wave Example- Pure Acoustic Waves
  6. Scaling
  7. High-Frequency Atmospheric Waves

PART II. Waves in the Ocean

  1. Waves on Interfaces
  2. Waves in a Continuously Stratified Ocean

Back to top

MPO 623

Statistical Analysis of Geophysical Data

Prof. Kevin Leaman

Outline:

  1. Fourier Transforms
  2. Digital Data Filtering
  3. Probability and Statistics
  4. Cross-spectra
  5. Special Topics

Back to top

MPO 631

Air-Sea Interactions

MSC 329
Lynn K. (Nick) Shay
Division of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography

Description:

Oceanic and atmospheric mixed layers including fluxes of heat, momentum, moisture and salt between the ocean and atmosphere; vertical distribution of energy sources and sinks at the interface including the importance of surface currents; forced upper ocean dynamics, the role of surface waves on the air-sea exchange processes and ocean mixed layer processes.

Syllabus:

  1. Introduction: Basic Processes (Week 1)
    1. Definitions
  2. Instabilities (Week 1-2)
    1. Atmospheric
    2. Oceanic
  3. Reynolds Decomposition (Weeks 2-4)
    1. Generating turbulence
    2. Approximations and Consequences
    3. TKE Equations
  4. Oceanic Mixed Layers (Weeks 5-8)
    1. Bulk Treatments
    2. Kraus-Turner/ PRT
    3. Deardorf
    4. TKE
    5. Surface Wave Effects on OPBL dynamics
    6. Langmuir Cells
  5. Atmospheric Boundary Layer (Weeks 8-10)
    1. Friction velocity and surface layer
    2. Log layer
    3. Methods of determining wind stress
    4. Surface Wave Effects on APBL fluxes
    5. Nondimensional Scaling/Buckingham II Theorem
  6. Heat Fluxes (Weeks 10-12)
    1. Bulk aerodynamic formulas
    2. Obukhov Length Scales
    3. Approximations
    4. Role of SSTs
    5. Precipitation and Evaporation
    6. Methods of determining heat fluxes
  7. Forced Upper Ocean Response (Weeks 13-15)
    1. Ekman Dynamics
    2. Projection of wind stress onto baroclinic modes
    3. Near-inertial (fronts, tropical and extratropical cyclones)
    4. Wind Forced Equatorial Kelvin Waves

Books: On Reserve

Kraus, E.B., and J.A. Businger, 1994: Atmosphere-Ocean Interaction, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 362 pp. (Reference).

Brown, R. A., 1991: Fluid Mechanics of the Atmosphere, Academic Press, Inc. (Reference)

Garratt, J.R., 1992: The Atmospheric Boundary Layer, Cambridge University Press (Reference)

Gill, A. E., 1982: Atmospheric-Ocean Dynamics, Academic Press, Inc., London, 662 pp. (Reference)

Kraus, E. B., 1977: The Dynamics of the Upper Ocean, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press 336 pp. (Reference)

Phillips, O.M. and K. Hasselman, 1986: Wave Dynamics and Radio Probing of the Ocean Surface, Plenum Press, 681 pp. (Reference)

Selected manuscripts as assigned.

Grading:

Homework assignments: 50%

Mid Term Exam: 25%

Final Exam: 25%

Back to top

MPO 632

Climate Dynamics

Course description:

The general aim of this course is to provide a global system perspective and related necessary extensions of content covered in several specialized graduate level course offerings. After an initial review of the diverse ways in which we tend to define climate in the presence of fundamental long term variability, the first focus is on observations of the current "mean state" of the climate system, and its variability. The latter is considered on timescales from interannual to glacial-interglacial, and qualitatively rationalized in terms of externally imposed variations, and as arising from internal instabilities. The second part of the course focuses on the large scale dynamics of the two fluid media of the climate system and how they jointly govern aspects of the system state which impact global biology and human activities. Part three of the course delves into the detailed physical processes and feedbacks in the climate system, with special emphasis on the role of variations in the oceanic and continental surface characteristics, and finally considers our evolving understanding of the impact of human activities i nthe system.

Part 1.

  • Observational tools and their time scale limitations.
  • Defining climate variability
  • The "Mean State" and its observed variability
  • ENSO, PDO, NAO, PNA, Global warming
  • Evidence for human activity impacts.
  • Paleoclimate

Part 2.

  • Climate processes
  • Radiation
  • Diabatic heating
  • Cloud feedbacks
  • Cryosphere
  • &nVegetation feedbacks, "Daisyworld"

Part 3.

  • Climate dynamics
  • The use and mis-use of numerical models
  • Energy balance
  • Hydrologic cycle
  • Large-scale ocean-atmosphere coupling
  • Internal instability vs. external forced variabiltiy

Back to top

MPO 633

Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Professor: Bruce Albrecht

Goals:

This course focuses on describing and explaining the structure and evolution of the marine atmospheric boundary layer. There is an emphasis on cloud-topped boundary layers and the trade wind boundary layer. Thus, in addition to turbulence, the physical processes considered will include shallow moist convection and radiation.

Course Outline:

  1. Introduction

    1. Definitions and Background
    2. Variables
    3. Wind and Flow
    4. Turbulent Transports
    5. Taylor’s Hypothesis and Observing Techniques
    6. Boundary layer Depth and Structure
    7. More Nomenclature and Definitions

  2. Mathematical and Conceptual Tools

    1. Turbulence and Its Spectrum
    2. Spectral Gap
    3. Mean and Turbulent Parts
    4. Basic Statistical Methods
    5. Rules of Averaging
    6. Turbulence Kinetic Energy
    7. Kinematic Flux Eddy Flux
    8. Eddy Flux
    9. Summation Notation
    10. Stresses

  3. Governing Equations for Turbulent Flow

    1. Methodology
    2. Basic Equations
    3. Simplifications and Approximations
    4. Equations for Mean Variables in a Turbulent Flow
    5. Summary of Equations and Simplifications

  4. Mixed Layer Theory

    1. Mixing and Entropy
    2. Governing Equations
    3. Model behavior

  5. Surface Fluxes and Entrainment

  6. Cloud-Topped Boundary Layers

    1. Moisture Variables
    2. Radiative Processes
    3. Observed Structure
    4. Governing Equations
    5. Entrainment

  7. Trade-Wind Boundary Layers

    1. Mean Structure and Fluxes
    2. Moist Convective Processes
    3. Sub-cloud Cloud Layer Interactions
    4. Stratocumulus to Trade Cumulus Transitions

  8. Deep Convection and the Marine Boundary Layer

    1. Controls on Deep Convection
    2. MABL Modification by Downdrafts
    3. Boundary Layer Recovery

  9. Boundary Layer Modeling and Parameterizations

Course Requirements: Mid Term and Final Exam; Paper and Presentation

Textbooks Referenced:

Garratt, J.R., 192: The Atmospheric Boundary Layer. Cambridge University Press, 316 pp.

Kraus, E. B. and J. A. Businger, 1994: Atmosphere Ocean Interaction, Oxford University press, 362 pp.

Stull, R. B., 1988: An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology. Kluwer Academics, 666 pp.

Back to top

MPO 650

oastal Oceanography

Coastal Ocean Circulation (3 credit hours)
Prof. Christopher N.K. Mooers

COURSE GOALS:

Circulation and stratification in the coastal ocean, including the dynamics of wind-driven, buoyancy-driven, tidally-driven, and eddy-driven flows over variable bottom topography with density stratification and Earth's rotation. Design of numerical models and observing systems for coastal ocean circulation. Prerequisites: MPO 503, MPO 511 or AMP 575, and AMP 601 or equivalent, consent of instructor.

MATERIAL:

WEEK
1 & 2 Overview: Course and phenomena
Notation and equations of motion
Dynamical constraints and concepts
Types of forcing regimes
Coastal tides and storm surge
Coastal boundary layers
Coastal fronts and undercurrents
Coastal jets and eddies
3 & 4 Coastal ocean numerical circulation models
5 & 6 Coastally - trapped waves
Mid-term examination
7 & 8 Wind-driven regimes
9 & 10 Buoyancy-driven regimes
11 Tidally-driven regimes
12 Offshore eddy-driven regimes
13 Coastal ocean observing systems
14 Final examination

ASSIGNMENTS:
Maintain notebook of lecture notes. Read selected papers. Perform problem sets. Term papers or mid-terms. Final exam.

GRADES:
Notebooks, term papers (or mid-terms), and final exam.

TEXTBOOKS: (Recommended Supplemental Reading)
Bowden, K.F., Physical Oceanography of Coastal Waters. John Wiley & Sons, NY
Brink, K.H. and A. R. Robinson (Eds.), The Global Coastal Ocean (Processes and Methods). The Sea, v. 10. John Wiley & Sons, NY

Csandy, G.T., Circulation in the Coastal Ocean. D. Reidel, Boston
Robinson, A. R. and K. H. Brink (Eds). The Global Coastal Ocean (Regional Studies and Syntheses). The Sea, v.11. John Wiley & Sons, NY

Plus selected papers from the recent literature

Back to top

MPO 662

Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics

Instructor: Mohamed Iskandarani
MSC 320 x 4045
miskandarani@rsmas.miami.edu

Grades:
60% Homework (involve programming)
20% Mid term
20% Term project

Syllabus:

  1. Introduction
  2. Classifications of PDE’s and their properties
  3. Basics of the finite difference method
  4. Stability properties of time differencing schemes
  5. Finite difference solution of the Poisson equation using direct and iterative methods
  6. Special advection schemes
  7. Energetically consistent finite difference schemes
  8. The Finite Element Method
  9. Additional topics (time permitting)

Back to top

MPO 664

Atmospheric and Oceanic Turbulence

Dr. Donald B. Olson
MPO 664

Class Outline

Turbulence in the Atmosphere and Ocean:

  1. Introduction: A definition of turbulence with examples.

    1. Turbulence vs. waves.

    2. Role of turbulence in dissipation within flows.

  2. Dynamics Pt. 1: Basic equations and quandaries.

    1. Navier-Stokes vs. Euler equations.

    2. Reynold's contribution and turbulent statistics.

    3. A place to stand: Energetics, vorticity dynamics, etc.

  3. A menu of problems: Different "flavors" of turbulence.

    1. Forced turbulence and boundary layer theory.
    2. Free convection.
    3. The interior problem: Isopycnal vs. diapycnal mixing.

  4. Dynamics Pt. 2: The dynamics of turbulent flows.

    1. Origins of turbulence: Instability and transition.
    2. Turbulent equilibrium states: Inertial ranges, closure, etc.
    3. Dynamics of turbulence at the individual eddy level.
    4. Lagrangian views of turbulence and the tracer problem.

  5. Turbulent regimes in the atmosphere and ocean.

    1. Air and water mass formation: Mixed layers, convection.
    2. Interior mixing: Tracers, fine structure and intermittency.

Structure of the Class:

The class will consist of lectures and a set of experiments (approx. one per week). Grading will be based on class participation and a term project. The latter is expected to consist of at least posing an original piece of work and presenting it to the class. The topic may be closely related to the students dissertation work.

There are several possible texts that one can suggest for this class. A selection will be discussed at the first meeting and individuals are asked to choose what and if they wish to order them. Library copies will be put on reserve for those who do not wish to purchase a text.

Back to top

MPO 665

General Circulation of the Atmosphere

Instructor: Prof. David S. Nolan
MSC 329, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:40-12:10

Topics:

  1. Introduction
    1. Goals of the course - getting to know each other - the big picture
    2. History of the study of the general circulation
    3. Averaged quantities and other representations of the data
  2. The Observed Zonally Averaged Circulation
    1. Observations: radiation, temperature, pressure, winds, moisture
    2. The oceans, land, ice, and their effects
    3. Interseasonal and interhemispheric differences

  3. Understanding the Zonally Averaged Circulations
    1. Simple theories
    2. Hadley cell theories
    3. Quasi-balanced response: Eliassen and Kuo theories
  4. The Observed Nonzonal Circulations
    1. Variations in the tropics - ITCZs and monsoons
    2. Mid-latitudes - the jets and planetary waves
    3. Baroclinic life cycles
    4. Heat and momentum fluxes
    5. Interseasonal and interhemispheric differences
  5. Understanding the Nonzonal Circulations
    1. The annulus experiments
    2. Monsoon theories
    3. Eliassen-Palm fluxes
    4. Kinetic and available energy budgets
    5. Baroclinic instability and adjustment
  6. The Stratosphere
    1. Thermodynamic structure
    2. The general circulation and seasonal variations
    3. Stratospheric phenomena - waves, QBO, and sudden warmings

  7. Assorted topics and presentation possibilities
    1. Storm tracks
    2. Blocking
    3. Teleconnection patterns
    4. Stratospheric-tropospheric exchange
    5. General circulation modelling
    6. Other planets

Assignments:

There will be 2 mid-term exams (20% each), occasional homeworks (10%),
one 30 minute presentation by each student (25%), and a final exam (25%).

Resources:

There is no single textbook for the class. Reading will be assigned from the following books on reserve in the library, and other papers will be handed out.

Reserve Books:
QC880.4.A8 G77 1993 Grotjahn, R.: Global Atmospheric Circulations
QC880.4.A8 J34 1994 James, Ian N.: Introduction to Circulating
Atmospheres:
QC981.P434 1992 Peixoto, J. P., and Oort, A. H.: Physics of Climate
QC881.2.S8 L33 1999 Labitzke, K. and Van Loon, H.: The Stratosphere
QC861.2.L55 1990 Lindzen, R. S.: Dynamics in Atmospheric Physics
fQC880.L65 1967 Lorenz, E. N.: The Nature and Theory of the
General Circulation of the Atmosphere

Back to top