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Explores geophysical fluid flow dynamics in the atmosphere and ocean. Rotation and stratification in the atmosphere and ocean lead to fascinating characteristics of geophysical fluid flow that will be explained mathematically and/or numerically. Topics include the general circulation, Hadley and midlatitude circulations in the atmosphere, Sverdrup balance and western boundary currents in the ocean, quasi-geostrophic model, waves, and instabilities. Students are expected to know the basics of fluid mechanics and vector calculus.

Explores geophysical fluid flow dynamics in the atmosphere and ocean. Rotation and stratification in the atmosphere and ocean lead to fascinating characteristics of geophysical fluid flow that will be explained mathematically and/or numerically. Topics include the general circulation, Hadley and midlatitude circulations in the atmosphere, Sverdrup balance and western boundary currents in the ocean, quasi-geostrophic model, waves, and instabilities. Students are expected to know the basics of fluid mechanics and vector calculus.