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ESS246B

Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics: the Ocean Circulation

Environmental Earth System Science SUSTN - Doerr School of Sustainability

Course Description

Introduction to the physics governing the circulation of the atmosphere and ocean and their control on climate with emphasis on the large-scale ocean circulation. This course will give an overview of the structure and dynamics of the major ocean current systems that contribute to the meridional overturning circulation, the transport of heat, salt, and biogeochemical tracers, and the regulation of climate. Topics include the tropical ocean circulation, the wind-driven gyres and western boundary currents, the thermohaline circulation, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, water mass formation, atmosphere-ocean coupling, and climate variability. Prerequisites: MATH 51 or CME100; and PHYSICS 41; and a course that introduces the equations of fluid motion (e.g. ESS 246A, ESS 148, or CEE 101B).

Cross Listed Courses

Grading Basis

ROP - Letter or Credit/No Credit

Min

3

Max

3

Course Repeatable for Degree Credit?

No

Course Component

Lab Section

Enrollment Optional?

Yes

Course Component

Lecture

Enrollment Optional?

No

Courses

ESS246B is a prerequisite for:

Programs

ESS246B is a completion requirement for: