This textbook provides a mathematical introduction to the theory of large-scale ocean circulation and is accessible for readers with an elementary knowledge of mathematics and physics, including continuum mechanics and solution methods for ordinary differential equations. The book consists of four parts. Part I is a very brief introduction to ocean circulation and the mathematical formulation of the governing equations of ocean flows. In addition, concepts are introduced that are necessary to describe and understand large-scale ocean currents. In part II the theory of mid-latitude wind-driven ocean circulation is presented. The consideration of model development includes a top-down approach and reduced equations are derived using asymptotics and scaling. Part III ( focuses on the understanding of equatorial currents and El Nino. In the last partIV the theory of planetary scale flows is presented, covering topics such as the thermocline problem. INDICE: 1. First Impression.- 2. Present Ocean Circulation.- 3. Mathematical Description.- 4. Vorticity.- 5. Wind-Driven Circulation.- 6. Western Intensification.- 7. Free Waves.- 8. Stratificaton.- 9. Adjustment.- 10. Stability of Zonal Flows.- 11. Equatorial Ocean Circulation, 12. Dynamics of ENSO.- 13. Thermocline Problem.- 14. Antarctic Circumpolar Current.- 15. Arctic Ocean Circulation.- 16. Thermohaline Circulation.
- ISBN: 978-3-540-76375-8
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 408
- Fecha Publicación: 01/03/2008
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés