Physical Oceanography and Climate

An engaging and accessible textbook focusing on climate dynamics from the perspective of the ocean, specifically interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.

Kris Karnauskas (Author)

9781108423861, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 2 April 2020

350 pages, 48 b/w illus. 36 colour illus. 4 tables
25.2 x 19.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.81 kg

'Physical Oceanography and Climate fills a gap in the scientific literature at a time when the societal issues surrounding climate variability and change are becoming ever more urgent. This engagingly written book, with its focus on fundamentals and hands-on learning exercises, is a great introduction to the ocean's role in climate and why it matters. It will serve as a valuable resource for students and research scientists interested in the processes that govern ocean-atmosphere interactions and their consequences for the climate system.' Michael J. McPhaden, University of Washington

Climate research over recent decades has shown that the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere drives the global climate system. This engaging and accessible textbook focuses on climate dynamics from the perspective of the upper ocean, and specifically on the interaction between the atmosphere and ocean. It describes the fundamental physics and dynamics governing the behavior of the ocean, and how it interacts with the atmosphere, giving rise to natural climate variability and influencing climate change. Including end-of-chapter questions and turn-key access to online, research-quality data sets, the book allows readers the chance to apply their knowledge and work with real data. Comprehensive information is also provided on the data sets used to produce the numerous illustrations, allowing students to dive deeper into the data themselves. Providing an accessible treatment of physical oceanography, it is perfect for intermediate-advanced students wishing to gain an interdisciplinary introduction to climate science and oceanography.

1. Introduction
2. The heat budget
3. The salt budget
4. The momentum budget
5. The atmospheric interface
6. Response to wind forcing
7. Coupled climate variability
8. Response to buoyancy forcing
9. Climate change and the ocean
Index.

Subject Areas: Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Atmospheric physics [PHVJ]