Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling

A graphic of four thermal images of various parts of the world composited together.

MITgcm logo. (Image courtesy of Dr. Alistair Adcroft.)

Instructor(s)

MIT Course Number

12.950

As Taught In

Spring 2004

Level

Graduate

Cite This Course

Course Description

Course Features

Course Description

The numerical methods, formulation and parameterizations used in models of the circulation of the atmosphere and ocean will be described in detail. Widely used numerical methods will be the focus but we will also review emerging concepts and new methods. The numerics underlying a hierarchy of models will be discussed, ranging from simple GFD models to the high-end GCMs. In the context of ocean GCMs, we will describe parameterization of geostrophic eddies, mixing and the surface and bottom boundary layers. In the atmosphere, we will review parameterizations of convection and large scale condensation, the planetary boundary layer and radiative transfer.

Related Content

John Marshall, Kerry Emanuel, and Alistair Adcroft. 12.950 Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling. Spring 2004. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw.mit.edu. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.


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