NFYK14008U Abyssal flows
Aim: The purpose of this course is that the
student obtains a basic understanding of the various theories of
the abyssal flow how they relate to the observed large scale
circulation.
Content: This course gives an introduction to the
basic theories to explain the deep circulation: Stommel's
mixing model, Kawase's wave model and Toggweiler's Southern
Ocean model. The focus will be on the manipulation of the equations
of motions to derive the fundamental properties of the different
waves. Observations and numerical models will then be used to fill
the theory with life.
Skills:
When the course is finished it is expected that the student is able
to:
- explain 3 different theories about the deep ocean circulation
- understand the spin-up of the deep circulation
Knowledge
The course introduces the student to the equations of motion for a
continuous medium. The student will learn how to use scaling
analysis to reduce the complexity of partial differential
equations. Finally the student will combine the resulting equations
with observations and numerical model results to relate the
different forcing mechanisms to the deep flows in the ocean.
Competences:
This course will provide the students with a strong background for
further studies within physical oceanography, but also meteorology.
The close connection of theory to the numerical modelling of
geophysical flow and the analysis of observations will ensure that
the student is enabled to think laterally, translating theory into
code and verifying the results with observations. This is a core
competency in all geophysical subdisciplines.
Ocean Circulation Theory, Pedlosky 1996, Springer
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 2
- Lectures
- 50
- Practical exercises
- 40
- Preparation
- 68
- Theory exercises
- 46
- Total
- 206
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 25 minutesOral, 25 minutes, internal examination, pass/non-pass evaluation, no aids, without preparation time.
- Marking scale
- passed/not passed
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
one internal examiner
- Re-exam
- same as ordinary
Criteria for exam assesment
see learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK14008U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- C (Mon 13-17 + Wednes 8-17)
- Course capacity
- 20
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course responsibles
- Markus Jochum (7-706d72666b78704371656c316e7831676e)
Lecturers
markus jochum, mjochum@nbi.ku, 3-0606, office nr 108