Physical Oceanography: A short course for beginners

Oceanography is a vast science, and beginners often feel overwhelmed by the number and variety of different topics. This book presents a distilled version of physical oceanography by providing physical insight into the circulation of the Earth’s oceans. A consistent view of the circulation is presented using only simple mathematics and an intuitive approach; however, hints to various phenomena are given for those who are willing to explore beyond this book. The book also contains an elementary introduction to fluid mechanics. The material included in this book evolved from lecture notes for the undergraduate classes taught by the author at MUN. This book is written at a mathematical level appropriate for undergraduate students in oceanic and climate science. Some background in physics and mathematics at the first-year level is desirable for a full understanding of the dynamical concepts presented in this book.This is the third edition of the book. A number of completely new chapters and sections have been added, including the following:A section on western boundary currents in Chapter 7.A chapter on stratified geostrophy, thermal wind.A chapter on shallow water equations including the concept of potential vorticity.A chapter on Rossby waves.A chapter on equatorial dynamics including a section on El Nino–Southern Oscillation.Practice problems for all chaptersThe new chapters are, by necessity, somewhat more mathematical; they delve into more advanced subjects. Our physical oceanography courses at MUN are offered to second to fourth-year undergraduate students. I believe that the new edition of this book is more universal and will allow instructors to teach courses at different levels. Students will have an opportunity to start with basic concepts and progress to more advanced ones. Read more