MT37F: Oceanography

Module Provider:

Meteorology

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn

Module Convenor:

Prof DP Marshall

Pre-requisites:

MT24A

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
This module aims to provide an introduction to the large-scale circulation of the oceans and the impact of the oceans on the global climate.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module the student should able to:

Additional outcomes:
The students will enhance their general problem-solving skills.

Outline content:
Why study the oceans? Overview of the large-scale ocean circulation; methods of observing the large-scale circulation and observational difficulties.
Dynamical equations governing the oceans: the homogeneous ocean model; wind-driven gyres; boundary currents; vertical structure of the wind-driven circulation.
The thermohaline circulation: the conveyor-belt; the Stommel-Arons model; the role of mixing; contemporary ideas; multiple equilibria.
Adjustment of the large-scale ocean circulation.
The ocean carbon cycle: inorganic carbon chemistry; solubility carbon pump; biological carbon pumps.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be a total of 15 50-minute core lecture classes. The remainder of the material will be learnt through problem solving classes. Additional, non-assessed problems will be distributed to assist self-learning outside the time-tabled classes.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
None
Relative percentage of coursework: 0
Examinations
One 2-hour university examination in term 9. Students are asked to answer 2 out of 3 questions.
Requirements for a pass
40%
Reassessment arrangements
Resit examination.