Intro To Oceanography - 615.761

This course covers the physical concepts and mathematics of the exciting field of oceanography and can be taken as an elective. It is designed for the student who wants to learn more about oceanography. Topics range from fundamental small waves to planetary-scale ocean currents. There will be a strong emphasis on understanding the basic ocean processes. Initial development gives a description of how the ocean system works and the basic governing equations. Additional subjects include boundary layers, flow around objects (seamounts), waves, tides, Ekman flow, and the Gulf Stream. Also studied will be the ocean processes that impact our climate such as El Nino and the Thermohaline Conveyor Belt. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics through calculus.