Courses:

Course Info

• Course Number / Code:
• 12.003 (Fall 2007) 
• Course Title:
• Physics of Atmospheres and Oceans 
• Course Level:
• Undergraduate 
• Offered by :
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  Massachusetts, United States  
• Department:
• Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences 
• Course Instructor(s):
• Prof. John Marshall 
• Course Introduction:
•  
• 
  
  12.003 Physics of Atmospheres and Oceans
  
  
  
  

  Fall 2007

  
  
  

  
  
  

  Course Highlights

  
  
  

  
  
  12.003 Physics of Atmospheres and Oceans
  
  
  
  

  Fall 2007

  
  
  

  

  Observed motion of introducing dye into a rotating tank of water. (Image by Prof. J. Marshall.)

  
  
  

  Course Description

  
  
  

  The laws of classical mechanics and thermodynamics are used to explore how the properties of fluids on a rotating Earth manifest themselves in, and help shape, the global patterns of atmospheric winds, ocean currents, and the climate of the Earth. Theoretical discussion focuses on the physical processes involved. Underlying mechanisms are illustrated through laboratory demonstrations, using a rotating table, and through analysis of atmospheric and oceanic data.

  
  
  

  Special Features

  
  
  

  • Video demonstration

  
  
  

  Technical Requirements

  
  
  

  Special software is required to use some of the files in this course: .mpeg and .rm.