Ocean Circulation MP 338

Objectives: Getting the student familiar with the principle factors controlling water Circulation as well as the major current systems in thE world Oceans.

Contents: General atmospheric circulation and itsrelation to oceanic surface circulation – Ekman layer – oceanic wind dRiven circulation systems – VortIcities and intensification of western (eastern) boundary  currents in the oceans – Convergence and diverGenCe of surface oceanic waters and the resulting upwelling and downwelling – Coastal upwelling.

Practical: Classification of different methods for measuring current velocity – Instruments used in measuring current velocity – Graphical representation of current measurements.

Text Books & References:

- Emery, W. J., Thomson, R. E. (2001). Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography. Elsevier.

- Open University Course Team (1995). Ocean Circulation. Pergamon Press.