CODE 112036 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 CREDITS 5 cfu anno 2 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 10720 (LM-35) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR FIS/06 LANGUAGE English TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 1° Semester MODULES Questo insegnamento è un modulo di: MIXING PROCESSES IN GEOPHYSICAL FLOWS TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB AIMS AND CONTENT AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics module aims to immerse students in the fascinating world of geophysical fluids, exploring the dynamics that govern the oceans and Earth's atmosphere. Focusing exclusively on the component of geophysical fluid dynamics, the module aims to develop an advanced and multidisciplinary understanding of how physical principles influence the large-scale movements of fluids in the geophysical context. Below, the educational objectives related to this theme are expanded: Fundamentals of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics The core of the course is dedicated to understanding the principles governing geophysical fluid dynamics. Students will study in detail: The Navier-Stokes Equations in a Rotating Context: Analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations modified to include the effects of Earth's rotation, crucial for understanding global circulation patterns in the atmosphere and oceans. General Circulation Theory: Examination of the mechanisms of atmospheric and oceanic circulation on a global scale, including trade winds, major ocean currents, and the meridional energy transport. Instability and Geophysical Turbulence Phenomena: Study of how instabilities in geophysical fluids can lead to turbulence and mixing, exploring phenomena such as Kelvin-Helmholtz instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability in the context of Earth's rotation. Waves and Oscillations in Geophysical Fluids: Introduction to atmospheric and oceanic waves, including gravity waves, Rossby waves, and planetary-scale oscillations, and their role in the transmission of energy and momentum through geophysical fluids. Practical and Environmental Applications Numerical Modeling of Geophysical Fluids: Students will gain practical skills in the numerical modeling of geophysical fluids, using specialized software to simulate atmospheric and oceanic phenomena. Computer exercises will allow the application of theoretical principles to real case studies. Interdisciplinary Approach The module will emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, linking geophysical fluid dynamics to themes such as climate change, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental sciences. This will enable students to appreciate the central role that geophysical fluid dynamics plays in understanding and managing Earth's natural systems. Preparation for Research and Profession Upon completing this module, students will be ready to pursue careers in scientific research or as professionals in environmental agencies, meteorological institutes, and oceanographic organizations. They will be equipped not only with the necessary theoretical and practical skills but also with the ability to tackle complex issues, work interdisciplinary, and contribute innovative solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. In conclusion, the module aims to train experts in geophysical fluid dynamics capable of interpreting and modeling Earth's complex dynamic systems, significantly contributing to environmental engineering and our understanding of the planet. TEACHING METHODS The module is structured in a balanced educational framework that aims to provide students with comprehensive training in the field of geophysical fluid dynamics, combining theoretical insights with significant practical applications. The adopted methodology is designed not only to stimulate the learning of fundamental concepts but also to develop technical skills through the use of advanced computational tools. Below, the teaching methods planned for the course are detailed. Theoretical Part The theoretical component of the course is delivered through lectures that aim to introduce and explain the fundamental principles of geophysical fluid dynamics and fluid dynamics in air and marine environments. During these lectures, topics such as the Navier-Stokes equations in rotating contexts, the theory of general circulation, phenomena of instability and geophysical turbulence, and much more will be covered. Students will be guided through the analysis of fundamental theorems, the derivation of key equations, and the discussion of illustrative examples that demonstrate the application of concepts in real scenarios. Practical Computer Exercises Alongside the theory, the course includes a series of practical computer exercises, where students will have the opportunity to directly apply the learned concepts to solve concrete problems. This component is essential for integrating theory with practice and for developing skills in the use of specialized software for the numerical modeling of geophysical fluids. The exercises will cover the implementation of fluid dynamics equations in programming languages such as Python, the simulation of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena, and the analysis of data and results obtained from the simulations. Final Exercise and Report The culmination of the practical experience of the course is represented by a final exercise that requires students to tackle a complex geophysical fluid dynamics problem, applying an integrated approach of theoretical knowledge and technical skills acquired. The final exercise involves developing a project on a specific theme, which could include modeling a particular atmospheric phenomenon, analyzing the stability of fluid flows, or studying the dispersion of pollutants in a body of water. Upon completion of the exercise, students are required to prepare a detailed report documenting the work performed, the methods used, the results obtained, and the conclusions reached. The report represents a fundamental element of course evaluation, as it allows verifying the student's ability to conduct a complete scientific analysis, to critically apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, and to effectively communicate the results of their work. Integrated Teaching Approach The teaching approach of the course is designed to be highly integrated, with constant reference between theory and practice. Theoretical discussions in the classroom are regularly linked to practical applications in computer exercises, encouraging students to develop a deep and applied understanding of the subject. This method enables students to acquire not only a solid theoretical foundation but also the ability to use this knowledge in real and professional contexts, effectively preparing them for future challenges in the field of research and profession. SYLLABUS/CONTENT - Review of elementary fluid dynamics (Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions, linear and volumetric infinitesimal deformations, and angular deformations) - Mass conservation for incompressible flows - Reynolds Transport Theorem and continuity equation - Vorticity with examples of irrotational vortex and rigid body rotation - Forces in a moving fluid: volume forces and surface forces - Force on a generic surface and stress tensor - Symmetry of the stress tensor - Cauchy's equation - Constitutive relation of Viscous Fluids - Navier-Stokes equations and commentary - Basics of Python programming language - Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability - Parallel flows - Taylor - Goldstein Equation - Richardson's criterion and physical meaning - 3D viscous parallel flows - Equations with normal modes - Squires Theorem - 2D equations and analysis of normal modes and Orr-Sommerfeld equation - Rayleigh's inflection point criterion - Fjortoft's Criterion - Equations in a rotating system - Coriolis and centrifugal terms - Comments on laboratory experiment videos - Simplifications of motion equations - Geostrophic wind and thermal wind - Taylor - Proudman Theorem - Poincare waves through normal mode analysis and dispersion relation - Particle trajectories in shallow water regime - Inertial waves - Review of the circulation conservation theorem in the absence of rotation - Potential vorticity and conservation law - Application example on deflection in the presence of a step - Rossby waves and dispersion relation through normal mode analysis - Generalization of Rayleigh's criterion and barotropic instability - Introduction to turbulence: proliferation of degrees of freedom in a turbulent system as a consequence of Kolmogorov's theory - Visit to the rotating tank of the University of Turin for visualization of experiments in 'shallow water' regime - Reynolds decomposition to reduce active degrees of freedom in the system - Reynolds equations and closure problem - Equation for the kinetic energy of the large-scale field: the role played by the term associated with the non-closure of equations - Energy flow from large to small scales as a result of K41 theory and implications for closure - Numerical resolution methods for shallow water equations with rotation and preparation for practical exercise. RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY Fluid Mechanics, 6th Edition - June 4, 2015. Authors: Pijush K. Kundu, Ira M. Cohen, David R Dowling, Language: English, Hardback ISBN: 9780124059351, eBook ISBN: 9780124071513 TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD ANDREA MAZZINO Ricevimento: To be arranged via email communication. Exam Board ANDREA MAZZINO (President) GIOVANNI BESIO MARCELLO GATIMU MAGALDI LESSONS LESSONS START September. Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION The final evaluation of the module includes a balanced approach aimed at assessing both the practical skills and the theoretical understanding of the students. This approach is structured in two main phases: a practical computer exercise and an oral examination. Practical Computer Exercise The first phase of the exam consists of a practical exercise conducted using the computer, during which students are called upon to demonstrate their abilities in applying the theoretical concepts learned to concrete environmental interest problems. This part of the exam is designed to evaluate the student's ability to use advanced computational tools, such as specific programming languages like Python, to model the dynamics of geophysical fluids in realistic scenarios. During the exercise, students will need to solve a set of selected problems that will require data processing, the implementation of numerical models, and the interpretation of the results obtained. The goal is to assess not only the accuracy of the proposed solutions but also the ability to critically and creatively apply the knowledge acquired, as well as clarity in presenting the results. Oral Examination The second phase of the exam consists of an oral test, during which the theoretical understanding of the topics covered in the course will be verified. The oral examination aims to evaluate the depth of the student's knowledge on the fundamental principles of geophysical fluid dynamics and the theoretical implications of the phenomena studied. During the oral, students may be asked specific questions on course themes, requiring an in-depth discussion that highlights a solid understanding of the concepts. In addition to the theoretical part, the oral examination will also include the discussion of a report prepared by the student. This report must be based on the practical computer exercise and aims to evaluate the student's ability to synthesize and effectively communicate the results of the work done, integrating theoretical and applied aspects. The report represents an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their critical and analytical approach to problems, as well as the skills acquired in data interpretation and the formulation of valid conclusions. Overall Assessment The final evaluation of the course will be based on the combination of performances obtained in the practical computer exercise and the oral examination, taking into account both the quality of the proposed solutions and the ability to argue and present theoretical concepts. This multidimensional approach to evaluation ensures a comprehensive view of the student's competencies, rewarding not only theoretical knowledge but also practical and analytical abilities, essential for a career in the field of environmental engineering. ASSESSMENT METHODS The final evaluation of the module includes a balanced approach aimed at assessing both the practical skills and the theoretical understanding of the students. This approach is structured in two main phases: a practical computer exercise and an oral examination. Practical Computer Exercise The first phase of the exam consists of a practical exercise conducted using the computer, during which students are called upon to demonstrate their abilities in applying the theoretical concepts learned to concrete environmental interest problems. This part of the exam is designed to evaluate the student's ability to use advanced computational tools, such as specific programming languages like Python, to model the dynamics of geophysical fluids in realistic scenarios. During the exercise, students will need to solve a set of selected problems that will require data processing, the implementation of numerical models, and the interpretation of the results obtained. The goal is to assess not only the accuracy of the proposed solutions but also the ability to critically and creatively apply the knowledge acquired, as well as clarity in presenting the results. Oral Examination The second phase of the exam consists of an oral test, during which the theoretical understanding of the topics covered in the course will be verified. The oral examination aims to evaluate the depth of the student's knowledge on the fundamental principles of geophysical fluid dynamics and the theoretical implications of the phenomena studied. During the oral, students may be asked specific questions on course themes, requiring an in-depth discussion that highlights a solid understanding of the concepts. In addition to the theoretical part, the oral examination will also include the discussion of a report prepared by the student. This report must be based on the practical computer exercise and aims to evaluate the student's ability to synthesize and effectively communicate the results of the work done, integrating theoretical and applied aspects. The report represents an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their critical and analytical approach to problems, as well as the skills acquired in data interpretation and the formulation of valid conclusions. Overall Assessment The final evaluation of the course will be based on the combination of performances obtained in the practical computer exercise and the oral examination, taking into account both the quality of the proposed solutions and the ability to argue and present theoretical concepts. This multidimensional approach to evaluation ensures a comprehensive view of the student's competencies, rewarding not only theoretical knowledge but also practical and analytical abilities, essential for a career in the field of environmental engineering.