Geophysical fluid dynamics

Keywords: Fluides en rotation et stratifiés, océan, atmosphère, équilibres planétaires
Prerequisites: Bases en mécanique des fluides mais non nécessaires

This course investigates the dynamics of geophysical fluids, such as those in the atmosphere and oceans, which drive key phenomena with a significant impact on our lives. These include the variability of weather systems affecting our daily routines, the ocean circulation regulating our climate over long time scales, and the transport of tracers like pollutants and greenhouse gases in the environment. Unlike the traditional fluid mechanics that you may have studied in previous courses, geophysical flows exhibit unique and often counterintuitive behaviors.

We will focus particularly on the roles of stratification and rotation in shaping these flows. By combining mathematical tools with physical intuition, we will derive dynamical models that uncover the different physical processes acting across time and length scales. These models will be complemented by laboratory experiments, allowing us to bring some of the most fascinating and large-scale phenomena on the planet into our classroom. By the end of the course, you will have developed a strong understanding of the fundamental dynamics of geophysical flows and gained the skills to apply these concepts to real-world environmental challenges.