VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Geophysical fluid dynamics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:14
Abstract
This course will begin from the foundations of fluid mechanics and develop towards applications in the four relevant areas for the Earth:the atmosphere, the oceans, the mantle and the core. Topics: Pipe flow, Reynolds number, Rayleigh-Benard convection, Navier Stokes Equations, Inviscid flow, Effect of Rotation, Centrifugal and Coriolis forces, Proudman-Taylor theorem, Ekman layers, Lorentz for
Content
This course will begin from the foundations of fluid mechanics and develop towards applications in the four relevant areas for the Earth: the atmosphere, the oceans, the mantle and the core. Topics to be covered are: Pipe flow, Reynolds number, Rayleigh-Benard convection, Navier Stokes Equations, Inviscid flow, Effect of Rotation, Centrifugal and Coriolis forces, Proudman-Taylor theorem, Ekman layers, Effect of Lorentz (magnetic) forces. Examples of free and forced convection in the atmosphere, Stokes' flow in the mantle, magnetostophic flow in the core.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Primary Text: Tritton, Physical Fluid Dynamics (OUP)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Geophysical fluid dynamics |
|
4 h weekly |