The general circulation of the atmosphere according to Ferrel (1859). (Image source: Ferrel, W. "The Motions of Fluids and Solids Relative to the Earth's Surface." Math Monthly 1 (1859): 140-147. Image in the public domain.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Richard Lindzen
MIT Course Number
12.810
As Taught In
Spring 2008
Level
Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course begins with a study of the role of dynamics in the general physics of the atmosphere, the consideration of the differences between modeling and approximation, and the observed large-scale phenomenology of the atmosphere. Only then are the basic equations derived in rigorous manner. The equations are then applied to important problems and methodologies in meteorology and climate, with discussions of the history of the topics where appropriate. Problems include the Hadley circulation and its role in the general circulation, atmospheric waves including gravity and Rossby waves and their interaction with the mean flow, with specific applications to the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation, tides, the super-rotation of Venus' atmosphere, the generation of atmospheric turbulence, and stationary waves among other problems. The quasi-geostrophic approximation is derived, and the resulting equations are used to examine the hydrodynamic stability of the circulation with applications ranging from convective adjustment to climate.