Ocean Dynamics and the Carbon Cycle
Principles and Mechanisms

Presents a multidisciplinary and observational approach to introduce the physical processes that drive ocean biogeochemistry and global climate change.

Richard G. Williams (Author), Michael J. Follows (Author)

9780521843690, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 July 2011

434 pages, 286 b/w illus. 16 colour illus. 15 tables 50 exercises
25.4 x 19.6 x 2.4 cm, 1.06 kg

'In this excellent book … the authors have taken great care to introduce new topics in an accessible, intuitive manner before going into detail. It is well-illustrated … [with] beautiful colour plates … for which animated versions are provided online. This book will appeal to advanced undergraduate and graduate students as well as to established scientists, and merits a place on any oceanographer's or climate researcher's bookshelf. [It] is also very useful for self-study.' Weather, magazine of the Royal Meteorological Society

This textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students presents a multidisciplinary approach to understanding ocean circulation and how it drives and controls marine biogeochemistry and biological productivity at a global scale. Background chapters on ocean physics, chemistry and biology provide students with the tools to examine the range of large-scale physical and dynamic phenomena that control the ocean carbon cycle and its interaction with the atmosphere. Throughout the text observational data is integrated with basic physical theory to address cutting-edge research questions in ocean biogeochemistry. Simple theoretical models, data plots and schematic illustrations summarise key results and connect the physical theory to real observations. Advanced mathematics is provided in boxes and appendices where it can be drawn on to assist with the worked examples and homework exercises available online. Further reading lists for each chapter and a comprehensive glossary provide students and instructors with a complete learning package.

Preface
List of symbols
Part I. Introduction: 1. Why is the ocean important?
2. An introductory view of the ocean
Part II. Fundamentals: 3. Transport fundamentals
4. Physics fundamentals
5. Fundamental biological processes
6. Carbonate chemistry fundamentals
Part III. Physical Phenomena and their Biogeochemical Signals: 7. Seasonality of the upper ocean
8. Ocean gyres and intense currents
9. Ocean eddies
10. Ventilation
11. Cycling and transport of nutrients and carbon
12. The deep ocean and meridional overturning
Part IV. Synthesis: 13. Integral frameworks
14. A forward view
Appendix: mathematical definitions and momentum equations
Glossary
Answers
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Earth sciences [RB], Earth sciences, geography, environment, planning [R]