GEO4960 – Dynamical Oceanography
Course description
Course content
The course gives a broad overview of ocean dynamics with a focus on how we can use simplified theory to understand key processes, including waves, and much of the observed ocean circulation. We focus on ocean flows in mid and high latitudes, and look at how both the winds and buoyancy fluxes (heat and fresh water fluxes) can drive it. The impact of Earth’s rotation on steady flows, waves and even turbulence in the ocean will be a common theme. The various topics will be illuminated with examples from observations, like moored instruments and satellites, and both idealized and realistic numerical model simulations.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, you will be able to
- understand and explain key dynamical balances used in oceanography (many are the same in meteorology)
- use these balances to study aspects of both the steady ocean circulation and its variability, including the role of waves
- discuss hydrodynamic instability and ocean turbulence that is impacted by Earth’s rotation, including how such turbulence can impact the large-scale circulation
- analyze observations and numerical simulations of real ocean flows - and interpret these in light of simplified theory
- interpret and present (to colleagues) one or more scientific papers relevant to the course