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GEOL3387: Atmospheric circulation and dynamics

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Type Open
Level 3
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Earth Sciences

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce fundamental principles of atmospheric circulation and dynamics, and the analysis of atmospheric data.

Content

  • Fundamentals of atmospheric motion.
  • Global energy budget and radiative transfer.
  • Structure and composition of the atmosphere.
  • Tropospheric and stratospheric circulation.
  • Atmospheric dispersion.
  • Climate modelling.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Explain the structure and circulation of the atmosphere, and how these are observed and modelled.
  • Describe how atmospheric processes may change in the future.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Analyse and interpret atmospheric data from observations and from climate model simulations.

Key Skills:

  • Analyse data using Excel and/or programming.
  • Write clear and concise reports.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module will be delivered by the Department of Earth Sciences through flexible 3-hour sessions combining the lecture and practical, including discussion, and computer-based material.
  • The module will be assessed via one report, based on practical tasks worked on over several weeks, as well as one in-class test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures10Weekly1 Hour10Yes
Practicals10Weekly2 Hours20Yes
Preparation, online learning activities, reading70 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Report1500 words60 
In-class Test 40 

Formative Assessment

Online learning activities.

More information

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