Course Details
Subject {L-T-P / C} : ER5405 : Physics of Ocean { 3-0-0 / 3}
Subject Nature : Theory
Coordinator : Prof. Naresh Krishna Vissa
Syllabus
Module 1:
Ocean sciences and the scope of physical oceanography: World Ocean, origin, history of oceanography, challenges. Ocean crust and bathymetry: Layered Earth, Isostatic equilibrium, continental margins, ocean basins Sea floor spreading, convection, Paleo-magnetism, hotspots mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, transforms.
Module 2:
Seawater and its properties: Temperature-Measurements, distribution Salinity pressure, depth, density Pressure effects on temperature and density T-S Diagrams water types and water masses Sound in the sea Light in the sea Colour of seawater Temperature, Salinity and density distributions Transparency of seawater.
Module 3:
Waves: wave parameters, deep water waves, transformation of waves in shallow water, wave generation Wind generated waves and their characteristics Propagation, refraction and reflection of waves Wave spectrum and principles of wave forecasting.
Module 4:
Tides: Types of tides, tide producing forces and their magnitudes prediction of tides by harmonic method tides and tidal currents in shallow seas, estuaries and rivers Tide producing forces, equilibrium theory and tidal currents.
Module 5:
Heat budget of the oceans: Heat budget terms, Short and Long wave radiation, Evaporation, Heat conduction spatio-temporal variability of heat budget terms and net heat balance. Coastal Hazards- Storm surges and Tsunamis, Global ocean circulations: Heat transport, Coriolis Effect, atmospheric cells, upper ocean circulation, Upwelling and El Niño, Deep ocean circulation, Global warming and the ocean.
Course Objectives
- To master the fundamentals of Earth and Ocean's geographical setting. <br />To introduce oceanic instrumentation and measurement techniques
- To understand the physical properties of seawater
- To provide broad concepts of ocean circulation characteristics, wind-driven waves and tides
- To apprehend oceanic heat budget components and effects of global warming on oceans
Course Outcomes
CO1: Learn the physical setting of Earth's composition and internal structure and formation of Oceans <br />CO2: Explain the properties of ocean temperature, salinity and density and its measurements and variability.in global oceans <br />CO3: Attain a clear understanding of wind-driven ocean circulation and thermohaline circulation <br />CO4: Describe the properties of ocean waves and tides and their causes and applications <br />CO5: Learn various components of oceanic heat budget terms and its changes under the global warming scenario
Essential Reading
- Talley L. D., G. L. Pickard, W. J. Emery and J. H. Swift, Descriptive Physical Oceanography, Elsevier Academic Press
- 2. Trujillo A. P. and H. V. Thurman, Essentials of Oceanography, Prentice Hall
Supplementary Reading
- Neumann G, Ocean currents, Elsevier Publishing Company
- Stewart RH, Introduction to Physical Oceanography, Orange Grove Texts