The Equations Of Oceanic Motions

This page intentionally left blank THE EQUATIONS OF OCEANIC MOTIONS Modeling and prediction of oceanographic phenomena and climate are 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 those describing large-scale circulations to those describing small-scale turbulence. After establishing the basic dynamic equations that describe all oceanic motions, M¨uller 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. P e t e r M u¨ l l e r studied physics at the University of Hamburg. He received his Ph.D. in 1974 and his Habilitation in 1981. He worked at Harvard University before moving to the University of Hawaii in 1982, where he is now Professor of Oceanography in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. His research interests cover a broad range of topics in oceanography, climate dynamics, and philosophy, including wave dynamics, stochastic (climate) models, and foundations of complex system theories. He has published widely on these topics. He is co-author (with Hans von Storch) of the book Computer Modelling in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Building Knowledge. Peter M¨uller is the organizer of the ‘Aha Huliko’a Hawaiian Winter Workshop series and the chief editor of the Journal of Physical Oceanography. THE EQUATIONS OF OCEANIC MOTIONS ¨ LLER PETER MU University of Hawaii cambridge university press Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, São Paulo Cambridge University Press The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge cb2 2ru, UK Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press, New York www.cambridge.org Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9780521855136 © P . Mul l e r 2 0 0 6 This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provision of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press. First published in print format 2006 isbn-13 isbn-10 978-0-511-2421