Oscillations and instabilities in the climate system

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

• 1.1, 1.2, 1.5
• 2.3, 2.5
• 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
• 4.2
• 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
• 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5
• 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
• 8.1

1. Explain the principle of linear stability analysis;
2. Derive the shallow-water model and explain its interest for atmospheric and ocean waves
3. Apply the principle of linear stability analysis  to derive theories for atmospheric and oceanic waves (gravity waves, Rossby waves, Kelvin waves) and instabilities (baroclinic and barotropic instability)
4. Explain the principle of a climatic oscillation in terms of dynamical systems theory
5. Demonstrate the link between these theories and actual phenomena in the ocean-atmosphere system (El-Nino, Madden-Julien instability, Atlantic oscillations, abrupt desertification) and discuss their limitations and importance for our understanding of the ocean-atmosphere dynamics
6. Analyse a specific phenomenon involving atmospheric and oceanic waves, instabilities, or oscillations on the basis of available literature and communicate this analysis to colleagues.
7. Criticise the presentation and provide constructive feedback to colleagues on the scientific aspects of the presentation.
8. Synthesise current concerns about oscillations and instabilities in the climate system