Lectures

as part of the master degree program atmospheric physics/oceanography

Dynamics of the atmosphere

 topics:

• thermodynamic variables and stratification
• hydrodynamic conservation laws
• governing equations in dynamic meteorology
• quasi-geostrophic theory (Rossby waves and wave-mean flow interaction)
• mean meridional circulation (Stokes drift of waves)
• internal gravity waves (linear theory, wave-mean flow interaction, quasi-biennial oscillation and general circulation in the mesosphere)

Physics of climate

topics:

• radiative transfer in the atmosphere
• boundary layer, water vapor, and radiativ-convective equilibrium
• a simple energy balance climate model
• the Lorenz energy cycle and global energy budget
• climate change (climate sensitivitiy and climate feedback, excerpts of recent IPCC reports)