Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean I
Introduction to fluid motion theory for atmosphere and ocean, covering kinematics, forces, gravity, rotation, and hydrostatic/geostrophic balance.
Summary
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.75 GPA, 86.4% A/AB (n=22 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.38 GPA, 70.6% A/AB (n=17 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.30 GPA, 60.0% A/AB (n=25 letter grades).
What you’ll be able to do
Apply basic vector mathematics to geophysical fluid flows.
Derive and physically interpret the equations of motion.
Recognize and describe the fundamental principles associated with the dynamics of geophysical fluid flows.
Apply multiple coordinate systems to a problem and understand their usefulness.
Apply diagnostic tools to diagnose, describe, and interpret the fundamental dynamical processes at work in large-scale circulations.
Source: UW Guide
Grade history
↗All recorded terms · compare terms & instructors
Prerequisites
Course map(PHYSICS 202, 208, or248 or concurrent enrollment inPHYSICS 202, 208, or 248) and MATH 234 or concurrent enrollment inMATH 234
- take one
- take one
“Used by” includes alternatives; linked courses may have other requirements. This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.
Prerequisite text tree
Professors
Spring 2027No instructors recorded for this selection.
Historical instructors & teaching patterns
Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
Calendar & sections
Spring 2027Schedule loads here as you scroll.
| Section | Mode | Enrolled / capacity | Waitlist |
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Meeting source records
Student experience
the class
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.75 GPA, 86.4% A/AB (n=22 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.38 GPA, 70.6% A/AB (n=17 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.30 GPA, 60.0% A/AB (n=25 letter grades).
difficulty & workload
No workload feedback recorded.
Topics
- Kinematics, fundamental forces, Earth's gravity and rotation, and balance concepts.
- Fundamental principles of geophysical fluid flow dynamics.
Skills
- Applying vector mathematics and elementary kinematics to analyze fluid motions in the atmosphere and ocean.
- Deriving and interpreting the equations of motion for geophysical fluids.
- Using diagnostic tools to interpret dynamical processes in large-scale circulations.
Grades
Latest available · Fall 2025— not enough history to project Spring 2027.
Grade distribution · % of letter grades
Grades over time
Through Fall 2025
More grade details Grade mix, volume & source data
Not enough comparable courses for Spring 2027 in UW–Madison.
Sources & history
Catalog & offerings
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Student reviews
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Grade history
Recorded grade distributions by term, section, and instructor.
Explore recorded gradesRecorded 2026-10-14
Model outputs & technical records
LLM outputs across runs
Full model traces
Recorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.
Model & dataset provenance
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"task_version": "17",
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"requirements_status": "needs_review",
"dataset_revision": "fc1811fa52e581ea57a35c0cf3343f8740a8ffbf",
"observed_at": "2026-10-14 17:50:09.728220+00:00"
}