FYS-GEO4500 – Finite Volume Methods for Geophysical Fluid Physics
Course content
Numerical solution of hyperbolic equations in conservation form. The Lax-Friedrichs method, Godunov's method and Riemann solvers. Convergence, stability, and accuracy. Compressible and incompressible flows, shocks and dissipation. Equations of state and reactive flows. Geophysical applications include atmospheric dispersion, tsunamis, fluidised systems, vents and volcanic flows.
Learning outcome
The students learn how to develop models of dynamical geological systems using finite volume methods. They will use code they write themselves and they will become sophisticated users of publicly available code from academic sources. They will understand the applicability and limitations of numerical models of various types and will be able to critically evaluate numerical work presented by others.
Admission
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If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
In addition to fulfilling the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway, you must either have 2MX/2MY/3MZ and 3MX/3FY/3KJ/3BI/(2KJ+3BT)/(2BI+3BT) from Norwegian upper secondary school, or have completed equivalent studies in mathematics as well as physics, or chemistry, or biology at upper secondary school or university level at another educational institution. Read more about fulfilling special requirements.
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor degree in physics, geosciences or applied mathematics.
Teaching
The course extends over a full semester with 2 hours of lectures every week. There will be compulsory numerical exercises.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Students will prepare a project on a (geophysical) topic of their choice using the numerical methods developed in this course, and present this project as a research paper and an oral presentation before the conclusion of the course. Letter grades will be given, with equal weight given to the compulsory exercises and to the final project and this will comprize the final mark. Both the compulsory numerical exercises and the presentation must be passed in order to get a final grade.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
This subject does not offer new examination in the beginning of the subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.