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Simulation for Geophysical Modelling

Module code: EEP55C24 · Semester: Semester 2

Resources​

Questions by Year​

0 of 3 done · tick papers and add notes as you go

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Topics

  • Geophysical fluid flow: mass, momentum, thermodynamics, energy budget LO1
  • Rotating frames, geostrophic and thermal wind balance LO2
  • Shallow water theory and geostrophic adjustment LO3
  • Stratified flows, friction and Ekman layers LO3, LO5
  • Rossby and gravity waves LO4
  • Kelvin-Helmholtz and baroclinic instability LO7
  • Turbulence: diffusion, spectral theory, 2D and geostrophic turbulence LO6
  • Wind-driven gyres and Sverdrup balance LO8
  • Overturning circulation and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current LO9
  • Equatorial undercurrent and El Niño LO10
Learning outcomes
  1. Describe the thermodynamics and fluid dynamics of geophysical fluids
  2. Formulate rotating-planet dynamics and their effect on ocean flows
  3. Explain how shallow water and geostrophic theory are used in oceanography, climate and offshore engineering
  4. Simulate non-linear waves: Rossby, gravity and internal waves
  5. Formulate and assess stratified flow problems
  6. Simulate turbulence
  7. Describe instabilities in geophysical flows
  8. Describe models of wind-driven gyres
  9. Simulate overturning circulation and thermoclines, including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
  10. Simulate the equatorial undercurrent and El Niño

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.