Objectives and Content
Objectives
This course gives a basic introduction to chemical oceanography and useful methods applied within analytical work and modelling to interpret the distribution of substances and identifying processes causing their distribution.
Content
Focus is placed both on the natural and anthropogenic system of the general carbon cycle and other important processes causing changes in biogeochemical cycles and earth systems. Some central topics are the general circulation of the ocean (the thermohaline circulation), biological production, remineralisation and export of organic material. Radioactive and stable isotope distribution used as age tracers of water masses and to identify source waters, calculation of mixing rates and advection of chemical components etc. Air - Sea gas exchange, the biological pump, nutrient cycles (nitrogen, phosphorous and silica cycle) will also be central topics.
Prerequisites
Principles of oceanography, as in GEOF105 Physics of the Atmosphere and Ocean.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Basic knowledge in inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry is an advantage.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- has a broad overview on central elements of chemical oceanography
- knows about the chemical substances in the ocean
- knows about processes that govern the distribution of chemical substances in the water column and the sediment
- has knowledge on interactions between the water column, the sediment, and the atmosphere
Skills
The student
- is able to calculate the uptake of carbon both in a natural and anthropogenically perturbed air-sea system based upon analytical and model data
- is able to determine how the biological pump influences the distribution of chemical substances in the ocean based on stoichiometry
- can identify processes that are important for air-sea exchange
- can measure and interpret experimental data and summarize results in a short laboratory report
- can interpret results based on modelling in a short report
General competence
The student
- can work on and systemize chemical oceanographic data in order to identify underlying processes that determine the distribution of chemical substances
- can autonomously improve her/his his knowledge on chemical oceanography if she/he wants to extend studies for a master
Files/Documents
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