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Tropical Weather and Climate Extremes (ATOC30003)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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This subject gives an overview of the weather and climate extreme phenomena in the tropical region, as driven by the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere on a wide range of time and space scales. Topics include tropical cyclones, ENSO theory, Monsoon depression and Monsoon lows, cloud clusters and squall lines, tropical-extratropical interactions, the governing equations at low latitudes, momentum and heat exchanges in the ocean and atmospheric boundary layers, fundamental causes of ocean circulation, ocean wave theory including wind-waves and tides, Kelvin and Rossby waves, and intraseasonal oscillations. 

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • describe the fundamental causes of the general circulation of the ocean and its relationship to the general circulation of the atmosphere
  • reproduce the governing equations and approximations relevant to the tropical atmosphere and describe the key structural features of the tropical weather and climate
  • describe and solve the fundamental equations that explain waves in the ocean and the atmosphere, including equatorial waves and their relationship to tropical weather and climate
  • explain and quantify the fundamental processes causing upper-ocean mixing, variations in upper-ocean properties due to air-sea interaction effects, both locally and globally
  • communicate clearly the key concepts discussed in this subject
  • utilise appropriate numerical methods and computer programming to analyse, visualise and understand real-world weather and climate datasets

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following skills:

  • ability to demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing and problem-solving;
  • ability to apply analytical, quantitative and technical skills to problem solving;
  • ability to critically analyse information as life-long learners;
  • ability to demonstrate excellent organisational, planning and time management skills; and
  • ability to apply scientific knowledge to understand current technological and social changes.

Last updated: 5 December 2024