EAS 5420

Atmospheric Dynamics

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Introduction to the basic equations and techniques used to understand motion in the atmosphere, with an emphasis on the space and time scales typical of storm systems (the synoptic scale). Derives the governing equations of atmospheric flow from first principles and applies them to mid-latitude meteorology. Topics include balanced flow, atmospheric waves, vorticity, and baroclinic instability. Students taking this course at the graduate level (EAS 5420) will have to complete additional questions on the biweekly problem sets and on the prelim and final exams.

Prerequisites background equivalent to: MATH 1910 or MATH 2220; PHYS 1112.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• Fluently use concepts of advection, balance, buoyancy, vorticity, and others to describe atmospheric phenomena.
• Demonstrate and derive equations describing atmospheric flows from physical conservation principals (momentum, mass, entropy) and scale analysis.
• Apply and interpret these equations in relevant atmospheric conditions.

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