Unit name | Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics |
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Unit code | EASCM0064 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18) |
Unit director | Professor. Mader |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
The material on the unit ranges from the descriptive to the theoretical. To cope with the theory, students also need to have a good understanding of basic physics concepts and be confident with algebra and basic calculus. Students choosing this unit with a limited background in physics and maths need to be aware that successful completion will involve additional effort. In order to help such students, 3 tutorials are provided before the start of the unit to introduce the ideas of vector calculus that will be used in the unit. |
Co-requisites |
N/A |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit is aimed at developing a quantitative description and understanding of natural flows. This will involve a consideration of the flow of natural, multiphase materials in viscous, inviscid and turbulent flow.
The fluid mechanical principles of heat and mass transfer in fluid flows will be applied to understanding geophysical phenomena. The impact of the Earth's rotation on large-scale fluid motions will also be discussed.
Specific geophysical flows of interest will be: the flow of ice and magma; plate motions and the viscosity of the mantle; convective flows; flows in the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
On successful completion students will be able to:
The unit will be taught through a combination of
Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory work, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.
Summative: open-book exam (100%) on lectured material and guided reading.
Formative coursework: laboratory notebooks for two laboratory practicals.
Essential reading for all main topics is provided on Blackboard.
Further reading: