Skip to Content

PHY492H1F/1498HF
Advanced Atmospheric Physics

Official description

This course provides an introduction to the thermodynamics, stability, and dynamics of the terrestrial atmosphere. It represents suitable preparation for research in experimental and theoretical atmospheric physics. It is also relevant for research in oceanography and planetary atmospheres. Topics for this year include hydrostatics, atmospheric vertical structure, dry and moist thermodynamics, stability for small- and large-amplitude displacements, conservation laws, internal gravity waves, geostrophic balance, thermal wind balance, vorticity, circulation, and potential vorticity. Coursework involves analytic and computational exercises, some observational data analysis, and reviews of papers in the Atmospheric Physics literature.

References (not required):

  • Atmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey, Second Edition, John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs, Academic Press, 2006.
  • Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics, Murry L. Salby, International Geophysics Volume 61, Academic Press, 1996.
  • An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, James R. Holton, International Geophysics Volume 88, Academic Press, 2004.
  • An Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Benoit Cushman-Roisin and Jean Beckers, International Geophysics Volume 101, Elsevier.

Course format:

This is an in-person course that includes prerecorded video content as well as in-person lectures. Pre-recorded (asynchronous) content and notes will be posted in advance of in-person (synchronous) class meetings. Synchronous class meetings will be livestreamed should students wish to attend online, and recordings from these classes will also be posted.

Textbook

Selected readings from "Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics", Murry L. Salby, International Geophysics Volume 61, Academic Press, 1996. and "Atmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey, Second Edition", John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs, Academic Press, 2006

Prerequisite
PHY250H1, MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1
Co-requisite
n.a.
Exclusion
PHY498H1
Recommended preparation
n.a.
Textbook
                            Selected readings from "Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics", Murry L. Salby, International Geophysics Volume 61, Academic Press, 1996. and "Atmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey, Second Edition", John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs, Academic Press, 2006.
                        
Breadth requirement
BR=5
Distribution requirement
DR=SCI

Additional information

More info about the course: PHY492H1F

course title
PHY492H1F/1498HF
session
fall
year of study
4th year
time and location
24L: LEC0101, LEC2001: T3, R12, all Lectures in Room: MP134 12T: TUT0101: T4, Room: MP134
instructor

Delivery Methods

In Person

A course is considered In Person if it requires attendance at a specific location and time for some or all course activities.*.

* Subject to adjustments imposed by public health requirements for physical distancing.

Online - Synchronous
A course is considered Online Synchronous if online attendance is expected at a specific time for some or all course activities, and attendance at a specific location is not expected for any activities or exams.
Asynchronous
A course is considered Asynchronous if it has no requirement for attendance at a specific time or location for any activities or exams.