A ATM 500 Atmospheric Dynamics

Syllabus, Fall 2019

Course number: 6935 (3 credits)

Meets Tuesday, Thursday 10:15 - 11:35 AM in ES B13

Instructor: Brian Rose

Teaching assistant: Fangze Zhu

  • Email: fzhu@albany.edu
  • Office: ES 309
  • Office hours:
    • Drop-in homework and review sessions, Monday 9:20 - 10:20 AM in ES 223
    • Regular office hours, Friday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Course website:

http://www.atmos.albany.edu/facstaff/brose/classes/ATM500_Fall2019/

From the bulletin: Fundamentals of geophysical fluid dynamics necessary to understand atmospheric motions; conservation laws, fundamental forces, rotational effects, scaling of the equations of motion, concept of balance, circulation, vorticity and divergence.

Grading and course requirements

  • Homework: 45%
  • Midterm exam: 20% (Thursday Oct. 10 in class)
  • Final exam: 35% (Tuesday Dec. 17, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

This course will consist of classroom lectures (with occasional demonstrations), assigned reading, and regular homework assignments. All three components are necessary for building an understanding of this fascinating but complex subject.

Textbook (required):

Geoffrey K. Vallis (2019): Essentials of Atmospheric and Oceanic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press.

We will follow this text closely, and all students will need to follow the regular reading assignments. One copy will be on reserve at the Science Library.

This new Essentials book is a compact and accessible introduction to the field. The much larger Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics from the same author is an incredibly valuable reference for students who wish to specialize in dynamics. See Vallis' website http://empslocal.ex.ac.uk/people/staff/gv219/essence/index.html

Other useful books:

  • G. K. Vallis (2017): Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics (2nd ed.), Cambridge University Press.
  • G. K. Vallis (2006): Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics (1st ed.), Cambridge University Press.
  • Holton and Hakim (2013): An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology (5th ed.), Elsevier Academic Press.
  • B. Cushman-Roisin and J.-M. Beckers (2011): Introduction to geophysical fluid dynamics: physical and numerical aspects, Academic Press.
  • J. Marshall and R. A. Plumb (2007): Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics: an introductory text, Elsevier Academic Press.
  • J. Pedlosky (1987): Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (2nd ed.), Springer.
  • J. E. Martin (2006): Mid-Latitude Atmospheric Dynamics: a first course, John Wiley and Sons.

About the course

The emphasis in this course in on deductive reasoning. That means working logically and systematically from premises to conclusion, rather than memorizing formulas and heuristics.

We will also emphasize clarity of communication, which is one of the key underpinnings of all science. In your homework and exam answers you should always strive to explain your method clearly and concisely. Unclear answers may not earn full credit, even if you give the correct answer.

Homework policy

Expect quasi-weekly homework assignments (about 10-11 total, but check the schedule as the semester evolves). Homework is due at the beginning of class on the stated due date, usually 1 week after it is handed out. Homework can be submitted on paper or by email.

LATE HOMEWORK will incur a penalty of 15% per day. Exception: each student is granted ONE freebee late day to be used on one assignment of their choice. For these purposes "days" are defined as 24 hour periods beginning at the due date and time. Late assignments will not be accepted after solutions have been discussed in class. Exceptions to these policies for legitimate reasons (e.g. travel for conferences and fieldwork) will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but must be discussed in advance.

Academic integrity

We strive for an atmosphere of open inquiry and mutual respect. Class discussion is encouraged. Some collaboration with classmates on homework exercises is permissible, and sometimes even a good idea. However you must always submit your own work and your own thoughts, and give proper credit to others for previous work and ideas. It is every student's responsibility to become familiar with the standards of academic integrity at UAlbany. Claims of ignorance, of unintentional error, or of academic or personal pressures are not sufficient reasons for violations of academic integrity. Please review these policies in the Graduate Bulletin at http://www.albany.edu/graduatebulletin/requirements_degree.htm