SC4.13
Thermodynamics and energetics of the oceans, atmosphere and climate

SC4.13

The climate system as a whole can be viewed as a highly complex thermal/heat engine, in which numerous processes continuously interact to transform heat into work and vice-versa. As any physical system, the climate system obeys the basic laws of thermodynamics, and we may therefore expect the tools of non-equilibrium thermodynamics to be particularly useful in describing and synthesising its properties. The main aim of this short course will be twofold. Part 1 will provide an advanced introduction to the fundamentals of equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics, irreversible processes and energetics of multicomponent stratified fluids. Part 2 will illustrate the usefulness of this viewpoint to summarize the main features of the climate system in terms of thermodynamic cycles, as well as a diagnostic tool to constrain the behavior of climate models. Although the aim is for this to be a self-contained module, some basic knowledge of the subject would be beneficial to the participants.
- The first part, chaired by Remi Tailleux, will provide an advanced introduction on the fundamentals of equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics, irreversible processes and energetics.
- The second part, chaired by Valerio Lembo and Gabriele Messori, will illustrate some applications of thermodynamics to the study of the climate system and its general circulation.

Public information:

The short course will be structured as such:
- Part 1 (45 mins): theoretical background, by Remi Tailleux;

- Short break (5 mins);

- Part 2 (15 mins): diagnosing thermodynamics in climate models, by Valerio Lembo;

- Part 3 (10 mins): dynamics and heat transports in the atmosphere, by Gabriele Messori;

- Part 4 (15 mins): questions;

Co-organized by AS6/CL6/NP9
Convener: Valerio Lembo | Co-conveners: Remi Tailleux, Gabriele Messori
Fri, 27 May, 13:20–14:50 (CEST)
 
Room -2.85/86
Public information:

The short course will be structured as such:
- Part 1 (45 mins): theoretical background, by Remi Tailleux;

- Short break (5 mins);

- Part 2 (15 mins): diagnosing thermodynamics in climate models, by Valerio Lembo;

- Part 3 (10 mins): dynamics and heat transports in the atmosphere, by Gabriele Messori;

- Part 4 (15 mins): questions;