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651-4001-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Geophysical fluid dynamics

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Andrew Jackson, Dr. Jon Rotvig
Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Huw Cathan Davies, Prof. Dr. Andrew Jackson, Dr. Jon Rotvig
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:36

Abstract

Fluid mechanics is one of the fundamentalbuilding blocks in descriptions of geophysicaldynamical systems. This course will address(i) Exact solutions of Navier-Stokes equation.(ii) Dynamical similarity and scale analysis.(iii) Waves and fluids.(iv) Flow dynamics.(v) Effects of rotation.(vi) Rayleigh-Benard convection.(vii) Thermal boundary layers.

Objective

The goal of this course is to develop familiarity with basic fluid dynamical concepts relevant to the four fluid dynamical areas for the Earth: the atmosphere, the oceans, the mantle and the core.

Content

Exact solutions of Navier-Stokes equation, streamfunction, vorticity, viscous skin-effect. Dynamical similarity and scale analysis. Waves and fluids. Flow dynamics, Bernoulli's theorem, Kelvin's theorem, Frozen-in vortex lines, vortex dynamics, Prandtl-Batchelor theorem. Effects of rotation, Coriolis and centrifugal force, Taylor-Proudman theorem, geostrophic velocity, Ekman layers. Rayleigh-Benard convection. Thermal boundary layers.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Primary Text: Tritton, Physical Fluid Dynamics (OUP)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Hand-in work will count for 20% and an oral exam will count for 80% of the mark.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Geophysical fluid dynamics
  • Wed 07:45-09:30 (HPP H 6)
  • Wed 12:45-14:30 (HPP H 3)
4 h weekly

Offered In