EOS 725 Advanced Hydrosphere (3:3:0)
Instructors:
Long Chiu ST-1 Rm 211, lchiu@gmu.edu, Tel: 703-993-1984
Barry
Klinger, bklinger@mason.gmu.edu,
Tel: 301-902-1271
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth study on different components and transfer processes within the hydrosphere. Students will obtain an understanding of the various components of the hydrosphere from both a mathematical and modeling perspectives. The physics of the transfer processes for redistribution, and an appreciation of the role of water in sustaining life and influencing the global and regional energy and mass balance will be addressed in detail.
Prerequisites: EOS 656 and two semesters of calculus (partial differential equations recommended) or permission of instructor.
Syllabus
Introduction to the hydrosphere (Dingman Chap 1 and Appendix A)
Overview of global hydrological components
Conservation laws and regional water balance
Estimation of ET: an example
HW#1 (Dingman #2-1, #2-2, #2-3)
Energy and Water Cycle (Dingman Chap 2, Appendix B1-2, D1)
The global energy cycle
Simple energy balance model
Statistical concepts in space/time estimation (Dingman Appendix C)
HW#2 (Dingman #3-1, #3-2, #3-3)
Global hydrological cycle (Dingman Chap 3, 4)
Precipitation distribution
Oceanic evaporation
Runoff
Planetary fluid dynamics
Properties of a fluid at rest: hydrostatics
Properties of a fluid in motion: hydrodynamics
Effects of rotation
Convection and turbulence
Estimation of precipitation
The oceanic mixed layer (lKlinger)
Ocean Waves and tides (Klinger)
Surface and Gravity waves
Inertial and internal waves
Rossby waves
Kelvin waves
Lunar and Solar tides
Large scale circulation of the ocean (Klinger)
Wind driven ocean circulation
Thermohaline circulation and formation of water masses
Fresh water effect on ocean circulation
Transport of fresh water and heat
Chemistry of the oceans (Klinger)
Chemical composition of sea water
Ocean/atmospheric exchange of gases, e.g. CO2
Ocean chemistry
The deep ocean
(Midterm Exam: 1 hour, close book)
Exchange at the atmosphere-land interfaces (Dingman chap 7)
Evaporation and transpiration
Snow and Soil Moisture (Dingman chap 5 and 6)
Snowpack and snowmelt
Soil moisture and surface/atmosphere exchange
Ground Water (Dingman chap 8)
Surface, stream water
Infiltration and transport
Rainfall-runoff
Catchment hydrology
Flood and drought
Cryosphere
Glaciers
Sea ice
Effects on mass transport and polar energy balance
Albedo-temperature feedback
Long term climate changes and short term variations
Short term changes due to ocean/atmosphere/land interactions
Long term changes in oceanic circulation
Anthropogenic forcing, e.g. CO2 and oceanic chemical pollution
Text: Dingman,
Browning, K. A., and R. J. Gurney (Editors), 1999: Global energy and water cycles, Cambridge Press, 292 pp
Pickard,
G. L., and K.O. Emery, Descriptive Physical Oceanography,
Pond,
S., and G. L. Pickard, Introductory Dynamical Oceanography,
Mellor, G L,
Introduction to Physical Oceanography.
Michael Pidwirny Physical
Geography
Grade: Homework 40%, Mid-term 30%, Final 30%.