Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans

Many of the most pressing problems in environmental science, such as El Nino, ozone holes, and global warming, intimately involve the motions of the atmosphere and the oceans. Researchers in ATOC approach the study of the dynamics of atmospheres and oceans from several perspectives. Field programs that employ fixed arrays of instruments, or highly instrumented platforms such as research ships, research aircraft, satellites, and remote pilotless drones, generate data sets that reveal new dynamic phenomena, or which may be used to test theoretical ideas or models. Computational simulations are used to explore the interactions between fluid motions and various physical/chemical processes that are now recognized as being closely coupled to dynamics. Models of global phenomena permit close-up study of the mechanisms that may govern the complicated behavior observed both in the models themselves and in nature. Research in the fundamental theory of waves, instabilities, and turbulence is carried out using idealized analytical study, and by the construction of mechanistic or process models that attempt to isolate key interactions for detailed interpretation. Laboratory experiments in fluid instability and turbulence are yet another point of view, yielding data from controlled systems run at parameter settings well beyond those accessible through direct numerical simulation. Finally, investigations of the circulations of other planetary atmospheres, as well as large-scale motions the solar atmosphere, provide an interesting test of theories and ideas about dynamical behavior at conditions far removed from those prevalent on Earth. Specific examples of these various approaches are illustrated in the Research Areas and Links listed below.

An education in Dynamics at CU-Boulder emphasizes study of motions on all scales. The atmosphere and the ocean are treated equally, as many of the most critical research problems from a societal point of view involve an intimate coupling between these two elements of the hydrosphere. ATOC also stresses atmospheric chemistry, radiation, and remote sensing, permitting in depth study of additional effects and observing methods that are crucial in modeling or interpreting dynamical processes.

In addition to the wide range of active research topics, seminars, and field programs the ATOC offers, Boulder holds a wealth of additional opportunities to work on and learn about the dynamics of atmospheres and oceans. There are numerous weekly talks on a complete spectrum of subjects. These cover all scales, from boundary layers and fire weather, for example, to global planetary waves, blocking, and large-scale air sea interaction. Local research facilities with strong dynamics programs include NCAR (several branches) and NOAA (see links below).

Current Projects

1. Air-Sea Interactions:
   • Ozone Deposition to Oceans: Helmig
     
2. Air-Land and Air-Ice Interactions:
   • Prediction of Flash Floods in Complex Terrain: Warner
   • Desert Weather and Microclimate: Influences of Land-Surface Variability: Warner
   • Hydrology of Arctic Rivers: Cassano
   • Regional Atmospheric Reanalysis over Greenland: Cassano
   • Interaction between soil-moisture variability and precipitation: Warner
     
3. Ocean Dynamics:
   • Computational Studies of Oceanic Eddies and Large-scale Turbulence: Weiss
   • Computational and Theoretical Modeling of the Circulation of the North Indian Ocean: Kantha
   • Coupled physical-biological modeling of the Sea of Japan: Kantha
   • Ocean Tides and Tidal Processes: Kantha
     
4. Global Climate Modeling:
   • Global Climate Modeling: Noone
   • Tropospheric Aerosols: Toon
     
5. Regional Climate Modeling:
   • Polar Regional Climate Modeling : Cassano
     
6. Boundry Layer Modeling:
   • Studies of Marine Stratus: Toon
     
7. Upper Atmosphere:
   • High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS): Satellite measurement and analysis and theory of upper troposphere / stratosphere / mesosphere chemistry and dynamics: Gille
   • Dynamics, electrodynamics, and chemistry of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere: Forbes
   • Numerical Models of Polar Stratoshperic Clouds: Toon
     
8. Fundamental Theory and Experiments:
   • Simulations and Observational Analysis of ITCZ / Coastal Meteorology Interactions: Warner
     
9. Polar Mesoscale Processes:
   • Ross ice shelf air stream: Cassano
   • Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System: Cassano
   • Arctic Regional Climate Model Intercomparison Project: Cassano

Faculty Advisors

• Joan Alexander
• John Cassano
• John Fasullo
• Jeffrey Forbes
• Weiqing Han
• John Hart
• Detlev Helmig
• Lakshmi Kantha
• Margaret Lemone
• David Noone
• Tom Warner
• Jeffrey Weiss

Local Resources

• Colorado Research Associates: Fundamental research in upper atmosphere dynamics, turbulence, thermal convection, along with field programs and observational studies
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR): Wide range of research in atmospheric and oceanic dynamnics
• NCAR Global Dynamics Section: Studies of large-scale low-frequency variability
• NCAR Ocean Dynamics Section: Studies of large-scale ocean circulation, global and regional modeling
• NCAR Mesoscale Prediction Group: Advanced mesoscale modeling and data assimilation applied to cyclones, fronts and mesoscale convective systems.
• NOAA Climate Diagnostics Center: Investigations of causes underlying climate variations