Class
MWF, 10:45-11:35am
490 INSCC (map)

Instructor
Thomas Reichler
office: 484 INSCC
phone: 585-0040
email: thomas.reichler (at) utah.edu
office hours: immediately after lecture + by appointment

TA and Sessions
Paul Staten
office: INSCC 480-7
phone: 585-1405
email: paul.staten@utah.edu
Session: Tuesday 3:30-4:30 pm, INSCC 445

Prerequisite
Graduate standing, basic knowledge of atmospheric physics, advanced calculus, basic computer skills (UNIX), and a fondness for intellectual exercise.

Required Text
Holton, J. (2004): An introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 4th edition. This is the basic text for the course and the standard book in the field. We will follow Holton's book closely so that you can read the material before the class. See below for recommended supplemental material.

Errata for 4th Edition (by Dale Durran) [PDF]

Useful Texts
This is a selection of popular books in the field:

• Atkinson, B. W. (ed.) (1981): Dynamical Meteorology, An introductory selection. Selection of descriptive essays on various concepts in atmospheric dynamics. Very "wordy" and less mathematical than Holton. Recommended if you find Holton hard to follow.
• Cushman-Roisin, B. (1994): Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. Very popular with students, easy to read, emphasis on dynamical oceanography.
• Gill, A. (1982): Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics. Beside Pedlosky the 2nd standard in the field. Good as reference.
• Kreyszig, E. (1993): Advanced Engineering Mathematics. This an easy to follow texts in applied mathematics. The book covers most of the mathematics you will ever encounter during your career as meteorologist.
• Kundu, P. (1990): Fluid mechanics. Excellent introduction into (non-rotating) fluid mechanics. Chapter 2 offers a nice intro into vector calculus. 
• Pedlosky, J. (1987): Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. THE standard text in the field. More mathematical than Holton. Excellent reference; recommended for supplemental reading.
• Salby, M. (1996): Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics. Combination of atmospheric physics and atmospheric dynamics in one book. Good for supplemental reading.
• Salmon, R. (1998): Geophysical Fluid Dynamics. Advanced text in GFD from an oceanographer's  viewpoint.

Articles
TBA

Movie Links
Coriolis force

Reading
It is expected and it is very important that you read the assigned material ("Reading Schedule") before class. This will allow you to better understand the class and to participate in classroom discussion.

Homework
The material of this class can only be learned by solving problems, so homework is very, very important. Homeworks will be assigned on a weekly basis, and they are due in class exactly one week after they are assigned (usually Friday's). Check the "Homework" page on the class web page to find the assignments for each week. Late homeworks will not be accepted unless you have a pretty good reason. You are encouraged to work in small groups (2-3) in solving the problems as long as you understand your own answers. The open discussion of the material and a cooperative effort in solving problems is a very effective way of learning. Each person in the class must turn in individual written responses to the questions. Since many answers to the problems are given in the back of the textbook, you are expected to describe in clear detail how you obtain the solutions. Please remember that your homework is complete only when you exactly understand the solution. During the sessions the solutions to last week's homework will be explained.

Lab exercises
Some homework problems include computer based exercises, which mainly consist of manipulating pre-existing Matlab scripts from Holton's book. To solve those problems you need access to a Departmental computer (e.g. in the computer lab, INSCC 490) and you need to familiarize yourself with the basics of UNIX and Matlab. If you do not have a computer account at the Dept. of Meteorology, contact Kathy Roberts (819 WBB, 581-6136, kroberts(at)met.utah.edu) and ask for an account. Our system administrator is Bryan White support(at)met.utah.edu).

Unix tutorials:

• www.math.utah.edu/lab/unix/unix-tutorial.html
• www2.ocean.washington.edu/unix.tutorial.html

Exams
In any exam you are allowed to bring in one sheet of your own hand-written notes and a calculator. No make-up exams will be given except in rare cases.

Grading
Note that a minimum grade of B is required for the credit hours of this class to be applied toward your graduation requirements (see the Meteorology Graduate Student guide). Grades will be based upon your performance on the homeworks, midterm, and final exam. The individual weights are: 

Web-Site
Please consult this web-site from time to time since I may add content to it.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangement for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.