Mesoscale Atmospheric Dynamics

Subject ATOC90007 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Forty hours comprising two weeks of workshop-style lecture and practical activities 10.00am – 4.00pm daily with breaks as appropriate to conduct programming exercises.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

625-334 Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography or equivalent.

Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Todd Lane

Contact

Kevin Walsh
Email: kevin.walsh@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: 8344 6523

Subject Overview:

This subject will examine the fundamental dynamics controlling the behaviour of atmospheric processes on the mesoscale, including convection, atmospheric waves, mountain meteorology, and frontal systems. In addition, the two-way interactions between mesoscale and larger scale processes will be discussed. These discussions will be augmented by a detailed presentation of methodologies used to develop models of the atmosphere that are used for research and operational weather prediction.

Objectives:

This subject builds on the skills obtained in undergraduate studies of atmospheric dynamics, and presents an advanced quantitative treatment of atmospheric dynamics, primarily on the mesoscale. On completion of this subject students should have an understanding of:

  • the physical processes that govern a range of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena;
  • the two-way interactions between these phenomena and larger scale processes; and
  • the necessary skills to build simple models of the atmosphere.
Assessment:

Two assignments involving programming and written exercises (not exceeding 1000 words each) (25% each), one essay (not exceeding 1000 words) (25%), one oral examination (not more than 1/2 hour) (25%).

Prescribed Texts: None.
Recommended Texts: None.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

A focus of the subject is to enhance your ability to understand detailed physical interactions and develop models to simulate these processes. The skills you develop will help you:

  • interpret complex phenomena;
  • provide you with the ability to interrogate parameters and discriminate between important and negligible influences;
  • develop the skills to build your own models;
  • critically examine the simulations provided by more complicated modelling systems.

The modes of assessment are designed to help develop both your written and oral communication skills, particularly an ability to explain complex scientific phenomena.

Related Course(s): Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Climate Change

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