Fall 2012 Courses
AOS 527/GEO 527Atmospheric Radiative TransferStructure and composition of terrestrial atmospheres. Fundamental aspects of electromagnetic radiation. Absorption and emission by atmospheric gases. Optical extinction of particles. Roles of atmospheric species in Earth's radiative energy balance. Perturbation of climate due to natural and antropogenic causes. Satellite observations of climate system.Venkatachalam Ramaswamy
AOS 571Introduction to Geophysical Fluid DynamicsPhysical principles fundamental to the theoretical, observational, and experimental study of the atmosphere and oceans. The equations of motion for rotating fluids. Hydrostatic and geostrophic balance. Conservation of potential vorticity. Introduction to quasi-geostrophic theory and baroclinic instability. Geophysical boundary layers. Rossby and gravity waves.Stephen T. GarnerGeoffrey K. Vallis
AOS 576/APC 576Current Topics in Dynamic Meteorology: Large-Scale Structure /AtmosphereDynamical concepts needed to develop a qualitative understanding of the large-scale structure of the atmospheric circulation. The control of the angular momentum budget by Rossby wave fluxes. Theories for the Hadley circulation in the tropics and the "macro-turbulence" of midlatitudes. Linear theories for deviations from zonal symmetry of the mean flow.Isaac M. Held
GEO 503/AOS 503Responsible Conduct of Research in Geosciences (Half-Term)Course educates Geosciences and AOS students in the responsible conduct of research using case studies appropriate to these disciplines. This discussion-based course focuses on issues related to the use of scientific data, publication practices and responsible authorship, peer review, research misconduct, conflicts of interest, the role of mentors & mentees, issues encountered in collaborative research and the role of scientists in society. Successful completion is based on attendance, reading, and active participation in class discussions. Course satisfies University requirement for RCR training.Sonya A. LeggTullis C. Onstott