Ocean Circulation
Wind-Driven and Thermohaline Processes

Covers two important aspects of large-scale ocean circulation – wind-driven circulation, and thermohaline-driven circulation caused by changes in water density.

Rui Xin Huang (Author)

9780521852289, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 November 2009

806 pages, 32 colour illus. 23 tables
25.3 x 18 x 4.4 cm, 1.77 kg

The interaction between ocean circulation and climate change has been an active research frontier in Earth sciences in recent years. Ocean circulation, and its related geophysical fluid dynamical principles, are now taught at graduate level in many Earth and atmospheric science departments. This is the first advanced textbook to discuss both wind-driven and thermohaline-driven processes – two important aspects of large-scale ocean circulation. It provides a concise introduction to the dynamics and thermodynamics of oceanic general circulation. This includes sea water thermodynamics and the energetics of the ocean circulation; an exhaustive theory of wind-driven circulation; thermohaline circulation with discussions on water mass formation/erosion, deep circulation, and the hydrological cycle; and interactions between wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Highly illustrated to help the reader establish a clear mental picture of the physical principles involved, the book is invaluable for advanced courses in ocean circulation and as a reference for oceanographers and Earth scientists.

Preface
1. Description of the world oceans
2. Dynamical foundations
3. Energetics of oceanic circulation
4. Wind-driven circulation
5. Thermohaline circulation
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Military engineering [TTM], Mechanics of fluids [TGMF], Mechanics of solids [TGMD], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Earth sciences [RB], Marine biology [PSPM], Fluid mechanics [PHDF]