MTO 452E - Intro.Gen.Circ.Earth's.Atm.

Course Objectives

The aim of the course is to define atmospheric motion using thermodynamic properties of theatmosphere, concept of waves, instability equations and basic equations for dry air. Besides thecontribution of the atmospheric motions to general circulation, basic properties, latitudinal andseasonal variability, basic equations supporting the persistence of the atmospheric general circulationwill be investigated. Additionally the circulations in the atmosphere are driven by eddies and thathow the 3 dimensional investigation of atmospheric turbulence support the global circulation modelstudies will be reviewed.

Course Description

This course provides a historical context for the current scientific understanding of the generalcirculation of the atmosphere and examines diagnostic studies of the Earth's atmosphere and discusses
their implications for the theory of the structure and general circulation of the Earth's atmosphere.Examine the classical zonally averaged flow view of the general circulation of the atmosphere and therole of the mean meridional circulation versus the transient eddies in maintaining the generalcirculation. Explore the current view of the time- and zonally varying general circulation and itsinteraction with longitudinally varyingtransient features in the atmosphere, and additionally theimpact of these interactions on the maintenance of the general circulation. Investigate howclimatological mean stationary waves contribute to the structure and evolution of low-frequencyvariability on annual (ENSO) and seasonal (MJO) time scales, how persistent flow anomalies aroundthe Northern Hemisphere impact the general circulation.