Alpine Summer School 2010

Jonathan Durgadoo reports from the ASS 2010 about:

„Buoyancy Driven Flows”
July 2010, Valsavarenche (Italy)

The summer school on the "Fundamental processes in geophysical fluid dynamics and the climate system" is organised annually. This year's theme focused on "Buoyancy Driven Flows". Many processes in nature are driven by buoyancy and during the summer school, prominent scientists introduced the participants to some of the most important buoyancy driven flows in the ocean and atmosphere. In addition, we had the opportunity to learn about other land-base flows that are forced by buoyancy, e.g. avalanches (Christophe Ancey) and volcanos (Andy Woods). The theoretical framework was presented by Joe Pedlosky and Michael Spall. Laboratory experiments exploring the effect of density driven flows were discussed by Paul Linden. Applications to Nordic and Mediteranean seas overflows were presented by Sonia Legg and Anna Wahlin. Steven Lentz showcased the application to coastal currents. Within numerical modelling context, William Large and Anne-Marie Treguier highlighted the status-quo in modelling capabilities and challenges faced in representing the overflows of the Nordic seas. The Atmospheric component was tackled my Sylvie Malardel. The summer school provided the opportunity for an active interaction between lecturers and students. This has immensely helped me to discuss ideas and learn new concepts. Discussion with my peers were altogether fruitful enabling new friendships to start, while existing ones were fostered. I would like to express my gratitude towards ISOS for the financial support that allowed me to travel to the summer school. The exposure to the various geophysical fluid dynamics problems has at the same time enriched my understanding and highlighted areas where further in-depth study is required.