Modern Observational Physical Oceanography (ebook)

Argumento de Modern Observational Physical Oceanography (ebook)

With the advent of computers, novel instruments, satellite technology, and increasingly powerful modeling tools, we know more about the ocean than ever before. Yet we also have a new generation of oceanographers who have become increasingly distanced from the object of their study. Ever fewer scientists collect the observational data on which they base their research. Instead, many download information without always fully understanding how far removed it is from the original data, with opportunity for great misinterpretation. This textbook introduces modern physical oceanography to beginning graduate students in marine sciences and experienced practitioners in allied fields. Real observations are strongly emphasized, as are their implications for understanding the behavior of the global ocean.

Written by a leading physical oceanographer, Modern Observational Physical Oceanography explains what the observational revolution of the past twenty-five years has taught us about the real, changing fluid ocean. Unlike any other book, it provides a broad and accessible treatment of the subject, covering everything from modern methods of observation and data analysis to the fluid dynamics and modeling of ocean processes and variability. Fully illustrated in color throughout, the book describes the fundamental concepts that are needed before delving into more advanced topics, including internal-inertial waves, tides, balanced motions, and large-scale circulation physics.

• Provides an accessible introduction to modern physical oceanography
• Written by a leading physical oceanographer
• Emphasizes real observations of the fluid ocean
• Features hundreds of color illustrations
• An online illustration package is available to professors

"Anyone with a serious interest in understanding the oceans will want to own a copy of Wunsch's book. Its treatment of what is really known about the ocean is the fruit of a lifetime of effort by Wunsch in obtaining, analyzing, interpreting, and critically evaluating oceanic observations. This authoritative and helpfully opinionated book is a must-read for every oceanographer."--Joe Pedlosky, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

"In this magnificent book, Wunsch provides a broad introduction to modern observational physical oceanography, encompassing one of the most exciting and important scientific revolutions of the past three decades. It is a tour de force that should be mandatory reading for graduate students and researchers in physical oceanography and related disciplines."--David Marshall, University of Oxford

"Wunsch has led the effort to build a global ocean observing system, which has brought oceanography into a new era. Here, he enables students to appreciate the connections between the basics of this science with the infusion of data from satellites, robotic deep-sea probes, and classic expeditions with ships. We finally can see the inner working of the ocean, at a time when global warming is nudging it in dangerous directions."--Peter Rhines, University of Washington

"Essential reading for all serious students of physical oceanography. Wunsch explains how our knowledge derives from instrumental observations and conceptual models, yet how we often misunderstand the limits of what we see. Knowing these limits illuminates the history of the field and reveals the opportunities that lie ahead. This book's treatment--by one of the most profound thinkers in oceanography--is insightful, wise, erudite, and useful in practice."--Thomas Haine, Johns Hopkins University

"Wunsch is a world-renowned expert in oceanography, especially in observational oceanography, and this book is correspondingly authoritative. It discusses the real ocean, in particular how it is observed and what we can infer about the ocean from these observations. It is unique in its approach and a valuable addition to the canon."--Geoffrey K. Vallis, author of Climate and the Oceans0