Fall 2014: Introduction to Physical Oceanography
EARTH 421 (cross-listed as AOSS 421, ENVIRON 426)
Formerly GEOSCI 421
Monday & Wednesday 10-11:30 AM, 2520 C.C. Little Bldg
Instructor: Professor Brian K. Arbic
This course examines the fundamentals of physical oceanography;
physical properties of the ocean and water masses; atmospheric
circulation; wind- 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. This course is intended for
graduate students and advanced undergraduates (juniors/seniors).
As in the winter 2012 and 2013 versions of the course, the fall
2014 course includes an optional overnight field trip to
Muskegon. There our NOAA hosts will take us on a several hour
cruise on their research vessel R/V Laurentian, on which we will
use actual oceanographic research equipment.
