Module Details |
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
Title | Ocean Dynamics | ||
Code | ENVS332 | ||
Coordinator |
Professor CW Hughes Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences C.W.Hughes@liverpool.ac.uk |
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Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2022-23 | Level 6 FHEQ | First Semester | 15 |
Aims |
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To gain a high level understanding of ocean and atmospheric dynamics: To understand the background state of the atmosphere and ocean; To address how tracers spread; To understand the effects of rotation and how jets and eddies form on a rotating planet; To understand how waves influence and interact with the ocean circulation; To understand why there are western boundary currents and gyres in ocean basins; To understand how topography shapes the deep ocean circulation over the globe. |
Learning Outcomes |
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(LO1) Students will acquire knowledge of key concepts in ocean and atmosphere dynamics. |
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(LO2) Students will learn to appreciate the approximate nature of theoretical ideas, and the strengths and weaknesses of such ideas as explanations of observed phenomena. |
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(LO3) Students will develop mathematical skills in scale analysis of differential equations to isolate the essential phenomena. |
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(LO4) Students will acquire experience in combining quantitative and qualitative understanding of dynamics to give clear explanations of observed phenomena in the ocean and atmosphere. |
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(LO5) Students will develop an understanding of the factors controllng fluid flows on a range of rotating planets. |
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(S1) Problem solving skills |
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(S2) Numeracy |
Syllabus |
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Two lectures per week for ten weeks, covering: Geography of the atmosphere and ocean - general characteristics to be explained. Equations describing transport of tracers, including mass, and momentum. Their meaning, and how to simplify them - sensible scalings for atmosphere and ocean. Potential vorticity conservation and its consequences, including for mixing and waves, and the importance of vertical velocities. Jets and eddies in the atmosphere. Rossby waves and ocean gyre theory, including the role of topography. The Meridional overturning circulation, and ocean heat transport. Resources - books: |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Teaching Method 1 - Lecture. 20 hours of lecture material delivered asynchronously as recorded lectures, of typical duration 25 minutes. Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial (20 hours total, in person) Problems classes cover the mathematics to be used in the coming lecture, ensuring active learning: working through the problems engenders a deeper understanding of the concepts involved, and primes students for the associated physical concepts as they are encountered in lectures. |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
20 |
20 |
40 | ||||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 110 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 150 |
Assessment |
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EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Online test: Atmosphere and ocean characteristics and mathematical problems 1. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. A | 60 | 25 | ||||
VITAL online test: Atmosphere and ocean characteristics and mathematical problems 2. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessmen | 60 | 25 | ||||
Electronically submitted essay. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) : Semester 1 Tes | 60 | 50 |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |