CLIM 713: Atmosphere-Ocean Interactions

Fall 2011

 

Instructor

 

Prof. E. K. Schneider (COLA room 313, 902-1250, schneide@cola.iges.org; eschnei1@gmu.edu)

 

 

Meetings

 

10:30-1:15 Thursdays in Innovation Hall, Room 215G

 

 

 

Text

 

Sarachik, E. S. and M. A. Cane, 2009: The El Nino-Southern Oscillation Phenomenon. REQUIRED, provided by instructor.

 

 

Course Work Requirements

 

Read text and assigned papers (20%)

Attend lectures (20%)

Problem sets  (40%)

Final exam or course project and presentation (20%)

 

 

Course Description

 

Provides comprehensive observational and mechanistic understanding of El Ni–o and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena. Topics include observations and theories of seasonal and interannual changes in ocean circulation and temperature and interactions with atmosphere; equations of motion and theories of wind-driven circulation; mixed layer observations and theories; midlatitude and equatorial ocean waves; interannual variability and atmosphere-ocean coupling; and tropical oceanography and meteorology.

 

Class Schedule

 

Date                                            Notes

 

1 Sep                                          Description of ENSO

8 Sept                                         Boundary layers in the atmosphere and ocean                                                    

15 Sept                                      Boundary layers in the atmosphere and ocean

22 Sept                                      Ocean and atmospheric processes

29 Sept                                      Ocean and atmospheric processes

6 Oct                                          Ocean and atmospheric processes

13 Oct                                        Ocean and atmospheric processes

20 Oct                                        ENSO models and mechanisms; midterm exam

27 Oct                                        ENSO models and mechanisms

3 Nov                                         ENSO models and mechanisms

10 Nov                                      ENSO models and mechanisms

17 Nov                                      ENSO simulation and prediction

24 Nov                                      Thanksgiving recess. No class.         

1 Dec                                          ENSO simulation and prediction

8 Dec                                          Applications of ENSO information; coupled midlatitude variability                              

15 Dec                                       Presentation of projects; final exam