MT4YA: The Global Circulation

Module Provider:

Meteorology

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

M (Masters)

Terms in which taught:

Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr J Thuburn

Pre-requisites:

MT24A MT24B

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2004

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the major features of the global circulation of the atmosphere, with reference to the physical and dynamical concepts introduced in earlier modules.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module the student should able to:

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Why is there a stratosphere, and what determines the height of the tropopause?
The Hadley circulation: what controls its strength and extent?
Why are there surface westerlies at midlatitudes? The angular momentum budget.
What keeps the atmosphere in motion, and why is its kinetic energy so small?
The role of midlatitude eddies: what determines their strength and size?
The stratosphere: quasi-biennial oscillation and sudden warmings.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The theory is introduced through two 50-minute lectures per week, including tutorial and problem-solving classes. In addition, 6 hours of computer-based practical work is used to reinforce some of the theoretical content of the module.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Three computer based practicals contributing 50% of the module marks.
Relative percentage of coursework: 50%
Examinations
A 1½ hour examination. Students are asked to answer 2 questions out of 3.
Requirements for a pass
40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Resit examination only.