Mesoscale Atmospheric Dynamics

Subject ATOC90007 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2015.

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:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

The following subject, or equivalent.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
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.

Contact

Assoc Prof Kevin Walsh

Email: kevin.walsh@unimelb.edu.au

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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: Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
Honours Program - Earth Sciences
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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