THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES

School of Mathematics

MATH3261 Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics

Subject Information

  • Lecturer: Professor Matthew England
  • Office: RC 4061
  • Tel. No. 9385-7065
  • E-mail: M.England@unsw.edu.au

    Lectures

    There are nominally three lectures (3L) per week and one tutorial (T) per fortnight all in Red Centre Building RC-4082. Current timetable is as follows:
  • Tuesday 1-2 (L)
  • Wednesday 3-5 (2L)
  • Wednesday 5-6 (T)

    NB: We can negotiate a slight alternative to the above subject to unanimous approval

    Objectives

    This course aims to introduce students to the study of a number of commonly occurring flows that contribute to the dynamical behaviour of the oceans and the atmosphere and to show how these flows may be described using relatively simple mathematics. The most important mathematical skill required is the ability to solve differential equations, although a knowledge of vector calculus is also required. For this reason, the pre-requisites for this subject are MATH2100 Vector Calculus and MATH2120 Mathematical Methods for Differential Equations (or their Higher equivalents). MATH2021 Mathematics 2 is also acceptable. No prior knowledge of fluid dynamics is assumed. The necessary concepts will be introduced as required.

    Note: MATH2240 (Introduction to Oceanography and Meteorology) is not a prerequisite for this subject.

    Handouts

    During the course, several problem sheets will be distributed in lectures. Attempting these questions followed by their discussion in tutorials is an essential part of the benefits of the course. Where possible, I will hand out notes to minimise the need for repetitive transcription.

    Assessment

    The assessment for the course is as follows:
  • Class Test (15 marks)
  • Two assignments (20 marks)
  • Examination (65 marks)

    The duration of the final examination will be 3 hours.

    Please refer to www.maths.unsw.edu.au for the policy of the School of Mathematics on the matter of special consideration on medical or compassionate grounds.

    Textbook and Reference Material:

    There is no single textbook for this course, although Cushman-Roisin provides a useful, readable background for many of the topics. You will progress by studying the lecture notes and handouts and referring to the booklist below. These reference books are in the Library.

  • B. Cushman-Roisin, Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Prentice-Hall, 1994.
  • A.E. Gill, Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics, Academic Press, 1982.
  • J.R. Holton, Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, Academic Press, 1992.
  • P.K. Kundu, Fluid Mechanics, Academic Press, 1990.
  • P.H. Leblond and L. Mysak, Waves in the Ocean, Elsevier, 1978.
  • S. Pond and G.L. Pickard, Introductory Dynamic Oceanography, Pergamon, 1983
  • G. Komen et al. Dynamics and Modelling of Ocean Waves, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1994.

    Outline of the Topics Covered:

    The lectures will cover the following areas:
    1. Introduction - a description of the ocean and atmosphere and the various classes of motion that characterise their behaviour
    2. Brief review of mathematical and fluid dynamical concepts associated with geophysical fluid flows
    3. Surface waves at the air-sea interface
    4. Internal waves in the ocean and atmosphere
    5. Effects of rotation and friction - geostrophy, Ekman layers
    6. Planetary and shelf waves
    7. Large-scale ocean currents - wind-driven circulation
    8. Tides and related phenomena
    9. Large-scale atmospheric circulation
    10. Coupled air-sea interaction. The El Nino phenomenon.
    11. Other topics (as time permits)

    The order in which the material is covered may vary from that given above. You should attend all classes. Failure to do so may compromise your chances of understanding the material.

    Matthew England
    MATH-3261 Course Coordinator