The Equations of Oceanic Motions

by Peter Müller

Overview

Modeling and prediction of oceanographic phenomena and climate is based on the integration of dynamic equations. The Equations of Oceanic Motions derives and systematically classifies the most common dynamic equations used in physical oceanography, from large-scale thermohaline circulations to those governing small scale motions and turbulence. After establishing the basic dynamical equations that describe all oceanic motions, Müller then derives approximate equations, emphasizing the assumptions made and physical processes eliminated. He distinguishes between geometric, thermodynamic and dynamic approximations and between the acoustic, gravity, vortical and temperature-salinity modes of motion. Basic concepts and formulae of equilibrium thermodynamics, vector and tensor calculus, curvilinear coordinate systems, and the kinematics of fluid motion and wave propagation are covered in appendices. Providing the basic theoretical background for graduate students and researchers of physical oceanography and climate science, this book will serve as both a comprehensive text and an essential reference.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521855136
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/28/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	302
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Peter Müller is a Professor of Oceanography in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawaii.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Equilibrium thermodynamics of sea water; 3. Balance equations; 4. Molecular flux laws; 5. The gravitational potential; 6. The basic equations; 7. Dynamical impact of the equation state; 8. Free wave solution on a sphere; 9. Asymptotic expansions; 10. Reynolds decomposition; 11. Boussinesq approximation; 12. Large scale motions; 13. Primitive equations; 14. Representations of vertical structure; 15. Ekman layers; 16. Planetary geostrophic flows; 17. Tidal equations; 18. Medium scale motions; 19. Quasi-geostrophic flows; 20. Motions on the f-plane; 21. Small scale motions; 22. Sound waves; Appendix A. Equilibrium thermodynamics; Appendix B. Vector and tensor analysis; Appendix C. Orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems; Appendix D. Kinematics of fluid motions; Appendix E. Kinematics of waves; Appendix F. Conventional and notation; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Review of the hardback: 'The book will surely become a standard reference for the ocean dynamicist who wants to get the equations and usual approximations right. For me, the book is already worth the price just for its thorough treatment of the Boussinesq approximation. … On many topics, The Equations of Oceanic Motions supplements or surpasses these standard books. It … deserves to become a trusted guide to the basic formulation of physical oceanography.' Oceanography

From the Publisher