Atmosphere Ocean Interaction and Climate

This subject is not offered in 2016.

170 hours

The following subject, or equivalent (can be taken concurrently).

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This course aims to introduce the student to processes of atmosphere-ocean interaction, their importance in the climate system and its variability, with a particular emphasis on tropical meteorology. Specific topics will include: wind and buoyancy driven ocean circulation, atmospheric convection, atmospheric and oceanic wave phenomena, SST and atmospheric circulation, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), decadal to centennial scale variability and large scale modelling.

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

• explain fundamental processes of atmosphere-ocean interaction;
• describe the importance of these processes in the climate system and its variability, with a particular emphasis on tropical meteorology;
• review and synthesise the current literature, making judgements in cases of conflicting hypotheses.

Three practical exercises totalling not more than 2000 words (30%), a critical review of a journal article not exceeding 1,000 words with a 15 minute class presentation (60%). participation (10%). Assessment of practical work is due within two weeks of the completion of intensive lecture modules; assignment work is due within six weeks.

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students will have gained experience in:

• developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;
• rigorous and independent thinking;
• adopting a problem-solving approach to new or unfamiliar tasks;
• high-level written report presentation skills;
• oral communication and presentation skills.