(WS 2010/11)

Prof. Dr. Gerrit Lohmann and Dr. Christoph Voelker

The focus of the course is to identify the underlying dynamics for the atmosphere-ocean system. This is done through theory, numerical models, and statistical data analysis. It has been recognized that the atmospheric and oceanic flow binds together the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere that control the planetary environment. The fundamental concepts of atmosphere-ocean flow, energetics, vorticity, wave motion are described. This includes atmospheric wave motion, extratropical synoptic scale systems, the oceanic wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. These phenomena are described using the dynamical equations, observational and proxy data as well basic physical and mathematical concepts. Practicals complement the lessons.

Specific aspects:

• Approximate equations of motion for various scales of flow
• Dynamical concepts for climate dynamics: Bifurcations, Feedback analysis
• Instabilities in the atmosphere-ocean system and the dynamics of waves
• Linear and non-linear time series analysis and empirical modeling
• Atmospheric dynamics and related teleconnection patterns like ENSO, PNA, and NAO
• Fundamental models: Charney-DeVore model of the atmosphere, Milankovitch theory of the ice ages, Stommel’s box model of the ocean circulation, etc.

Lesson 4, 17. Nov: Advection, Material derivative, pressure, gravity, Coriolis force, dynamical equations

• Lecture
• exercise 1
• exercise 2
• exercise 3
• exercise 4
• exercise 5
• exercise 6
• exercise 7
• exercise 8
• exercise 9

Lesson 5

• Lecture

Lesson 19 January

• Dyn1 Sverdrup

Lesson 26 January

• Dyn1_vort

C. Voelker's material

Schedule:

Lessons: Thursday 14:15-15:45

Practical: Thursday 16:00-16:45

Written exam: March 4, 2011; 10-12; Room S3032

Literature:

• Holton, J.R., Introduction to Dynamical Meteorology, Academic Press
• Gill, A., Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics, Academic Press
• Dutton, J.A., The Ceaseless Wind, Dover
• Cushman-Roisin, B., ENVIRONMENTAL FLUID MECHANICS
• Cushman-Roisin, B. & Beckers, J.-M., Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics: Physical and Numerical Aspects

How to get the Credit Points / Schein?

Practical work (>50%)

Tutors: Gong Xun Allen, Xu Xu