The course provides a basic introduction to the principles that govern the flow in the sea at different scales from the smallest turbulent vortices to the large-scale circulation in the oceans. A major emphasis is on describing various physical phenomena using quantitative mathematical tools. The course deals with the following elements: Basic properties of a fluid including the driving equations for mass conservation, momentum and energy, coordinate systems and effects of Earth rotation, the derivation of simplified sets of equation describing large-scale oceanic flows, and the description of geostrophic flows, thermal wind, frictional effects, and basic theory of wind-driven ocean gyres.
Prerequisites
120 credits within natural science, including at least 15 credits in mathematics (calculus and linear algebra), is required.
Grant opportunities
EU/EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders and exchange students do not pay fees. More information on: http://www.universityadmissions.se
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe how the physical properties of seawater influence oceanic flows
- Define the different terms in the equations of fluid motions
- Define the most important space and time scales for the different types of flow
- Describe the basic physical balances of different idealized flow cases: Geostrophic flow and thermal wind, frictional boundary layers and the Sverdrup balance
- Describe the driving and controlling mechanisms of the large-scale circulation in the sea and be able to describe some idealized models for ocean circulation
Competence and skills
- Know the definition and relevance of the most important physical properties of seawater
- Know the equations of fluid motion for a rotating fluid
- Perform mathematical derivations and make calculations for some idealized flow cases
- Derive the main characteristics of wind-driven flows in the ocean
Judgement and approach
- Know how to apply fundamental principles of physics and mathematics to develop a quantitative understanding of ocean dynamics
- Understand standard simplifications and common limitations that are often associated to studies of ocean processes
- Apply and manipulate simple theories of the large-scale ocean circulation
Files/Documents
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