PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY Class 1 - University Of Colorado

ATOC 5051 INTRODUCTION TOPHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHYClass 1http://atoc.colorado.edu/ whan/ATOC5051/INSTRUCTOR: Weiqing HanOffice: SEEC N227BPhone: 303-735-3079Class Time:Office hours:TTH 2:30pm-3:45pm (SEEC S125)TTH 3:45pm-4:45pm (SEEC N227B)

Class-1Self Introduction (Background information)

The Instructor: Background,Research/Teaching InterestWeiqing HanProfessor: ATOCPhD: Physical OceanographyMS: MeteorologyBS: MeteorologyResearch interest: tropical ocean circulation,dynamics, air-sea interaction, sea level change,climate variability and climate change

Students Introduction Name, background, department, current status;Math courses have taken;Computer background;Oceanography background (have you takenocean-related courses before?) Purpose to take this course.

1. Course teaching approachTeacher centered approachtoStudent centered approachFaculty Teaching Excellent Program (FTEP)

teach#the#topics?#How#will!I give#them#the#information?#How#will'I ourse#Development#Institute#Improve learningWhat must students beable to think and do tosuccessfully completethe assessment?#Create#activities#and#syllabus#What do students needto complete the StudentLearning ana#University#Bloomington.#'& criticalthinking skills

2. Course SyllabusRational:a) Area: Ocean: covers 71% of the earth’s surface!

b) Heat capacity:Ocean has vast heat capacity--crucial for regulatingglobal climate

c) Ocean-atmosphere interaction: coupled climatevariability modes:Ocean-atmosphere interaction fosters coupled climate modes:e.g., the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Oceandipole, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO empirical mode),Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation associated with the AtlanticMeridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), etc Thesemodes have global & regional climaticimpacts.

d) Global warming in the past century, especially sincethe 1950s, due to increased greenhouse gases, and over 90% ofthe warming has gone into the ocean;The surface warming experienced a hiatus period in recent decade( 2003 2012): subsurface ocean stores the heat - ocean circulation& its influence on the atmosphere cause the surface warmingpause;Temperature increase – affects marine life: such as coralbleaching Sea level rise: affects coastal community;Disaster: such as Tsunamis (Dec 26, 2005 Indian Ocean Tsunami),Japan Tsunami (03/11/2011, Fukushima nuclear power plantleaking)Course Goal: Develop appreciation of the beauty &importance of the World’s Oceans!

MATERIALS & TEXT BOOKS1) Notes: http://atoc.colorado.edu/ whan/ATOC5051EssentialRecommended textbooks for reference:2) Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics.Adrian E. Gill, Academic Press, 1982.3) Descriptive Physical Oceanography: An Introduction. Lynne D.Talley, George L. Pickard, William J. Emery and James H. Swift,Elsevier Ltd., ISBN: 978-0-7506-4552-2. Ebook, 17.99 at:https://zlibshop.com/checkout/.4) Introduction to Physical Oceanography.Online textbook by Robert H. Stewart, Texas A&M University.It can be accessed via the class website.

Syllabus1. Basins and properties of sea water2. Ocean observations: methods and observed oceancirculationsThe class begins with introducing the basic backgroundinformation of physical oceanography, and describes theobservation methods and advancements. Then we discuss theocean circulation and water masses that have been observed.

3. DynamicsEquations of motion (we will emphasize on the similaritiesand differences between ocean/atmosphere), Newton's secondlaw of motion, Continuity of volume,Scale analysis, geostrophic and hydrostatic balanceThis section explains the govern equations of the ocean, thenderive the geostrophic and hydrostatic equations that theobserved large scale circulation generally satisfies. It will buildthe foundation for the rest of the class.

4. Ocean wavesGravity waves in a non-rotating fluid, refraction and breaking in shallowWater;Effects of rotation, modified gravity waves, Rossby radius ofdeformation,geostrophic balance;Effects of side boundaries--coastally trapped waves;Equatorially trapped waves, boundary reflection;Waves in mid-latitude;Forced equatorial and coastal waves;Based on the equations discussed above, we introduce the transient waveprocesses. These waves are intrinsic to the ocean and can be excited byexternal forcing (e.g., surface wind). They play an important role inocean circulation and climate variability.Gill’s book will be helpful for understanding the wavedynamics

5. Mixing processes in the ocean, mixed layer & thermoclineStability and double diffusion, salt fingering;Barotropic, baroclinic, and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities;Ekman layer, Ekman spiral, Ekman transport;turbulent mixed layer, thermocline, halocline, and pycnocline.

6. ThermodynamicsSurface heat fluxes;Mixed layer temperature equation;Surface salinity fluxes;Mixed layer salinity equation .Discuss the mixed-layer processes and thermodynamics in theocean. These processes are important in explaining the seasurface temperature (SST) distribution and change, whichdirectly affect atmospheric convection and circulation.

7. Wind-driven ocean circulationCoastal ocean circulation and upwelling;Equatorial current systems, upwelling;Sverdrup relation, Sverdrup balance;Subtropical gyres, westward intensification, westernboundary current & westward intensification.

8. El Nino and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO)Observations, climatic impacts & description of existingtheories (Detailed theories & dynamics will be discussed inATOC 5061 in Spring 2020)9. Thermohaline circulation - conceptDescriptions on thermohaline processes, deep water formation,and global thermohaline circulation. Due to time constraint, wewill not be able to cover detailed theories that govern thethermohaline circulation. Detailed theories & dynamics will bediscussed in ATOC 5061 in Spring 2020.There might be slight adjustments in the class arrangements,depending on the class progress.

Guest lectures:Dr. Mike Alexander, physical scientist, NOAA:Nov 21Dr. Lei Zhang, ATOC postdoctal research associateOct 24Instructor on travel:Oct 22 & 24 (classes have been arranged)

AssignmentsFive problem sets & a final project.Some assignments are computer based: need access to a computer withidl (or matlab, etc. software to perform data analysis and visualization)and Internet access.Learning goal of problem sets: understand the class material &apply your knowledge to solve oceanography problem through hands-ondata analysis and interpretation of ocean model results.Learning goal of final project: Promote critical and independentthinking, experience scientific research procedures, and create/proposeyour own research project.Additional benefit: your proposal can be turned into a real proposal toNSF graduate fellowship program.

HomeworkTentative schedules: Due: 2:30pm, class beginning timeAssignment #1: on Sep. 3, due Sep. 17Assignment #2 on Sep. 17, due Oct. 1Assignment #3 on Oct 1, due Oct. 10Mid-term: Oct 17Assignment #4 on Oct. 22, due Nov. 5Assignment #5 on Nov. 5, due Nov. 19Final project: on Oct. 21, due Dec. 10Please carefully read the syllabus at least once!Homework & exam expectations:§Some HW questions are open ended: aims to promote criticalthinking;§Discussions with your fellow classmates are encouraged; however,“independent” completion of the homework is required.

EXAMSTwo in-class exams: mid-term and the final.Mid-term exam (75 minutes):Oct 17, 2015, Thursday.No books or notes are allowed. All materials covered in the lecturenotes and class notes. Note that not all materials in the lecture notesare in the “class notes (by chapters)”.Final exam (2.5 hours):Monday, Dec 16, 2019, 4:30-7:00pm (the University Schedule)(SEEC S125, the classroom)The final grade will be based on the assignments (50%),the mid-term (20%) and the final exam (30%).

OthersClothing and behavior (e.g., I suggest you to shut off your cellphone during the lectures)Disability serviceIf you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, pleasesubmit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely mannerso that your needs can be addressed. Disability Servicesdetermines accommodations based on documented disabilities.Contact Disability Services at: 303-492-8671, or by e-mail atdsinfo@colorado.edu. If you have a temporary medical conditionor injury, see Temporary Medical Conditions: Injuries, Surgeries,and Illnesses guidelines under Quick Links at Disability Serviceswebsite and discuss your needs with me.

Religious observanceCampus policy regarding religious observances requires that facultymake every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who,because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams,assignments or required attendance. If you have such conflicts, pleaselet me know a week ahead of the scheduled homework due date,which will allow me sometime to accommodate you perhaps beforethe due date. See full details at campus policy regarding religiousobservances.

Classroom behavior’ policy and faculty rights and responsibilitiesStudents and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining anappropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to suchbehavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesyand sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals andtopics dealing with differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed,politics, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity andgender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. Class rosters areprovided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladlyhonor your request to address you by an alternate name or genderpronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester sothat I may make appropriate changes to my records. For moreinformation, see the policies on classroom behavior and the StudentCode of Conduct.

Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, Harassment and/or RelatedRetaliationThe University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is committed to fostering a positiveand welcoming learning, working, and living environment. CU Boulder will not tolerateacts of sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, exploitation, harassment, dating ordomestic violence, and stalking), discrimination, and harassment by members of ourcommunity. Individuals who believe they have been subject to misconduct or retaliatoryactions for reporting a concern should contact the Office of Institutional Equity andCompliance (OIEC) at 303-492-2127 or cureport@colorado.edu. Information about theOIEC, university policies, anonymous reporting, and the campus resources can befound on the OIEC website. Please know that faculty and instructors have aresponsibility to inform OIEC when made aware of incidents of sexualmisconduct, discrimination, harassment and/or related retaliation, toensure that individuals impacted receive information about options forreporting and support resources.

Honor codeAll students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsiblefor knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of thisinstitution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism,aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threateningbehavior. For this course, copying homework, project or exams fromother students is considered cheating. All incidents of academicmisconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council(honor@colorado.edu; 303-492-5550). Students who are found to be inviolation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to bothacademic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academicsanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension,or expulsion). Additional information regarding the Honor Codeacademic integrity policy can be found at thehttps://www.colorado.edu/osccr/honor-code

See you on Thursday!

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is committed to fostering a positive and welcoming learning, working, and living environment. CU Boulder will not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, exploitation, harassment, dating or domestic violence, and st