Courses Taught
Climate and Global Change (ATMS 140)
Introduces climate change and its interactions with the global environment; surveys the physical, chemical, biological and social factors contributing to global change; includes topics such as greenhouse warming, acid rain, ozone depletion, distinguishes anthropogenic influences and natural variability of the earth system; addresses societal impacts, mitigation strategies, policy options and other human responses to global change.
Atmospheric Dynamics I (ATMS 302)
Introduction to fundamental dynamical processes in the atmosphere through a descriptive and quantitative analysis of dynamical meteorology at the synoptic and global scale. Covers basic laws of fluid mechanics as applied to the atmospheric sciences, vorticity and circulation in 2-D and 3-D flows, boundary layer dynamics and friction, basic concepts of geophysical waves, and baroclinic instability. These topics will be covered both descriptively and mathematically with emphasis on computer representation of the fundamental processes governing atmospheric motion and application of theory to real-world examples.
Risk Analysis in the Earth Sciences (ATMS 404/526)
The course is an introduction to concepts and methods of quantitative risk analysis in the Earth system. Key concepts will include probability, impacts, risk, uncertainty, statistical estimation, and decision making. Students will use simple risk analysis methods to apply these concepts to example problems related to drought, flooding, weather extremes, and anthropogenic climate change. The students will learn the R programming language for statistical computing, which will be used to integrate concepts and methods using observational data sets and climate/weather model output.
General Circulation of the Atmosphere and Ocean (ATMS 491)
Introduction to the general circulation of Earth’s atmosphere and ocean. The course will include descriptive and quantitative analyses of the main features of the large-scale circulation patterns of the atmosphere and ocean, and we will examine the processes and feedbacks that control variability in the coupled Earth system.
Physical Oceanography (ATMS 491)
The course will include descriptive and quantitative analyses of the physical properties and dynamics of the global oceans. Key concepts will include: physical properties of sea water, wind-driven and themahaline circulations, heat storage and transport, vertical diffusion and upwelling, water mass formations, ocean-atmosphere interactions, equatorial dynamics, and the role of the ocean in Earth’s climate system.
Dynamic Meteorology (ATMS 500)
Introduction to fundamental topics in atmospheric dynamics. We will apply fundamental physical principles to analyze the structure and large-scale dynamics of the atmosphere. Topics will include: equations of motion and balanced flows, vorticity dynamics, atmospheric waves, quasi-geostrophic theory, baroclinic instability, and tropical circulations.
Climate Dynamics (ATMS 507)
Investigates the dynamical and physical processes that govern Earth’s paleo, current, and future climates. Emphasizes principles of climate change, natural and anthropogenic, across various spatial and temporal scales. Observations and climate models are used to examine past changes and potential future impacts.
Professional Development (ATMS 571)
Aimed at professional development in the atmospheric sciences so that students recognize the importance of breath of knowledge, effective oral and written scientific communication, and other skills they will need as professionals.