Other (course announcement)

Winter 2013: Introduction to Physical Oceanography EARTH 421 
(cross-­‐listed as ENVIRON 426, AOSS 421)

Formerly GEOSCI 421 TuTh 10-­‐1130 AM, 2520 CCLittle Building

Instructor: Professor Brian K. Arbic

This course examines the fundamentals of physical oceanography;
the physical properties of the ocean and water masses;
circulation of the atmosphere; wind-driven and buoyancy-driven
ocean circulation; tides; surface and internal waves; eddies; and
mixing.
If you take this course you will understand:
--the distribution of oceanic temperatures and salinities
--the importance of stratification and rotation for oceanic
(and atmospheric) dynamics
--the forces driving oceanic motions
--the importance of the ocean for Earth’s climate.

Advisory prerequisites: Math 115 and 116 or equivalent, and an introductory science course. In winter 2012 the course included a one-day optional field trip on a research vessel on Lake Michigan. If at all possible, we
will take a similar field trip this coming term.

For more information and a detailed syllabus see:
https://secure.earth.lsa.umich.edu/groups/oceanmodeling/wiki/35be7/Courses__Brian_K_Arbic.html