Course Details
Subject {L-T-P / C} : ER5403 : Dynamics of Atmosphere { 3-0-0 / 3}
Subject Nature : Theory
Coordinator : Prof. Bhishma Tyagi
Syllabus
Module 1
Inertial and Non-Inertial frames Fundamental Forces - Pressure Gradient Forces, Gravitational Force, Friction or Viscous Force Apparent forces- Centrifugal Force, Coriolis force, Effective Gravity, Relation for a vector and its time derivative for fixed and rotating frame of reference, Seven primitive equations.
Module 2
Momentum Equations in Cartesian, Spherical and Isobaric coordinate systems, Scale analysis of momentum equations, Geostrophic and Hydrostatic approximation, Natural Coordinate system, Equations of motion in natural coordinate system, Balanced motion- Geostropic Wind, Gradient wind, Inertial Flow, Cyclostrophic flow, Thermal Wind, Backing and Veering of winds.
Module 3
Continuity equation, Scale analysis of continuity equation, Horizontal divergence, Vertical motion, Continuity equation in isobaric coordinate system, Thermodynamic energy equation, Scale analysis of thermodynamic energy equation.
Module 4
Circulation & Vorticity, Kelvin’s Circulation Theorem, Bjerknes circulation theorem, Application to Land & Sea breeze, Vorticity equation, Scale analysis of vorticity equation, Potential Vorticity – Application to Orographic flow, Stream function and velocity potential.
Course Objectives
- To introduces the fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics that govern weather and climate in the tropics and mid-latitudes.
- To understand the conservation and conversion of mass, momentum, energy principles in atmosphere and various force balances, and to explore various approximations/assumptions while progressing in understanding of atmospheric dynamics.
- Understanding the basic concepts in fluid dynamics, such as dynamical components of the equations of motion and Lagrangian vs. Eulerian motion.
- To understand the importance of friction, Earth’s rotation and atmospheric circulation in governing the flows.
Course Outcomes
CO1: Understanding the relative magnitudes of the forces and accelerations present in synoptic-scale mid-latitude weather patterns. <br />CO2: To learn the derivation and applications of conservation of mass, momentum, energy in the atmosphere with understanding the Eulerian and Lagrangian frameworks for solving the fundamental equations. <br />CO3: To have a detailed, integrated knowledge of the fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics that govern weather and climate in the mid-latitudes and tropics. <br />CO4: Learning the limitations, approximations, and assumptions for solving the equations in a real-world scenario. <br />CO5: To apply the knowledge of atmospheric dynamics for practical numerical solutions.
Essential Reading
- Holton J. R. and G. J. Hakim, An Introduction to Dynamical Meteorology, Academic Press (ELSEVIER) , 2013
- Lynch A. H. and and J. J. Cassano, Applied Atmospheric Dynamics, John Wiley and Sons Ltd , 2005
Supplementary Reading
- Haltiner G. J. and F.L.Martin, Dynamical and Physical Meteorology, McGraw-Hill Publications , 1957
- Hess S. L, Introduction to Theoretical Meteorology, Krieger Publishing Company Malabar, Florida , 1959