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GEO1030 - Winds, currents and climate

Course content

The course gives an introduction to the physics of the atmospheres and the ocean. The most important forces that generate motion in a fluid on a rotating earth are derived, i.e. atmospheric winds and ocean currents. In addition fluid motions that are not influenced by the earth’s rotation, such as river flow, glacier motion, motion of water and oil in porous media, and convection in the earth’s mantle are studied. Weather phenomena as cloud formation, frontal dynamics and development of cyclones, and coupled atmosphere-ocean phenomena like El Nino/La Nina are discussed. For the ocean, introduction to wind-generated waves, as well as destructive tsunamis are given. The dynamical development of the earth’s climate, and the possible man-made changes of the climate are also discussed.

Learning outcomes

Detailed knowledge about the atmosphere and the ocean, as well as a basis for the understanding of fundamental dynamical processes related to the motion of air, water, glaciers, and magma on the earth.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

One of these:

• Mathematics R1
• Mathematics (S1+S2)

And and in addition one of these:

• Mathematics (R1+R2)
• Physics (1+2)
• Chemistry (1+2)
• Biology (1+2)
• Information technology (1+2)
• Geosciences (1+2)
• Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies. Read more about special admission requirements.

Recommended prior knowledge

MAT1000 - Mathematics for applications I or similar mathematical knowledge

Overlap

6 credits against GF101. 6 credits against GF111. 3 credits against G100.

Teaching

6 hours each week. Lectures, colloquias.

Exam information

Two home exams, which both need to be passed. Each counts ca 15%. Final written exam (3 hours), counts 70%, and must be passed.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

External auditor: Inger Hanssen-Bauer

An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.

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

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A student can sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do this in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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