2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

CLIM 752 - Ocean General Circulation

Credits: 3 (NR)
Description and theory of large-scale ocean circulation and how it affects climate. Focus is on ubiquitous flow structures such as gyres, equatorial currents, and meridional overturning cells. The class examines how the circulation follows from wind and thermohaline forcing, as well as physical principles. The influence of the circulation on heat transport and climate variability is also discussed. Conceptual guideposts include barotropic gyres, Ekman cells, potential vorticity, western intensification, the interplay of gravity and the Earth’s rotation, advective-diffusive balance, multiple flow states, and Rossby waves.

Prerequisite(s): CLIM 712 or 711 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: 3
Hours of Lab or Studio per week: 0