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Instructor Class Description

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Dale R Durran
ATM S 441
Seattle Campus

Atmospheric Motions I

Basic equations governing atmospheric motions and their elementary applications; circulation and vorticity; dynamics of midlatitude disturbances. Prerequisite: either AMATH 353 or MATH 309; MATH 324. Offered: A.

Class description

The purpose of the course is to utilize the principles of fluid dynamics to develop an understanding of why large-scale midlatitude weather systems behave as is observed. For example, why do upper-level winds tend to blow parallel to the isobars? Why do troughs, instead of ridges, tend to bring unsettled weather?

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.

Course website
Last Update by Dale R Durran
Date: 09/29/2004