Physical Oceanography and Climate

Description

Climate research over recent decades has shown that the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere drives the global climate system. This engaging and accessible textbook focuses on climate dynamics from the perspective of the upper ocean, and specifically on the interaction between the atmosphere and ocean. It describes the fundamental physics and dynamics governing the behavior of the ocean, and how it interacts with the atmosphere, giving rise to natural climate variability and influencing climate change. Including end-of-chapter questions and turn-key access to online, research-quality data sets, the book allows readers the chance to apply their knowledge and work with real data. Comprehensive information is also provided on the data sets used to produce the numerous illustrations, allowing students to dive deeper into the data themselves. Providing an accessible treatment of physical oceanography, it is perfect for intermediate-advanced students wishing to gain an interdisciplinary introduction to climate science and oceanography.

Kris Karnauskas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and a Fellow of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. He has secondary faculty appointments in the School of Medicine and the Colorado School of Public Health. Prior to these positions he was a member of the Scientific Staff at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Kris currently serves as Editor of the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, and recently served on the Scientific Steering Committee of the US Climate Variability and Predictability Program. He was the recipient of the 2017 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award from the American Geophysical Union. He is frequently a contractor to the United Nations Development Programme, providing expertise on regional climate change impacts for small island nations.

'... covers all the essential classic and modern topics of oceanic and atmospheric dynamics ... using a lively style of writing enhanced with compelling graphics ... will appeal to a wide range of advanced undergraduates in physical oceanography and climate sciences, as well as to cross-disciplinary Earth system scientists.' Arthur J. Miller, University of California, San Diego '... this advanced undergraduate text provides a focused view of the essential place of the ocean in the coupled climate system. With vivid prose and clear explications of mathematical necessities Karnauskas has created an exceptionally efficient means to understand the climate system ... At this time of urgent interest in climate this book should find the wide audience it deserves.' Mark A. Cane, Columbia University '... an accessible and comprehensive overview of the processes in the ocean that are important for climate, for upper level undergraduates to graduate students in the ocean and atmospheric sciences ... The connection of the material to observational data sets through the Dive into the Data boxes in each chapter introduces students to data-driven discovery in ocean sciences.' LuAnne Thompson, University of Washington 'This is no ordinary textbook. It takes us on a journey in exploring and understanding the physics of our planet's two fluids (one ocean, one atmosphere) and how they talk to each other ... I highly recommend this textbook, written by a new leader in the study of our planet.' Susan K. Avery, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution '... an important and timely text that focuses squarely on the role of the ocean in the climate system. It is cleverly organized to present the oceanography that will help the reader understand the role of the ocean in climate dynamics. It is written in an accessible form that make it valuable both as a textbook and a reference book.' Enrique Curchitser, Rutgers University 'Physical Oceanography and Climate fills a gap in the scientific literature at a time when the societal issues surrounding climate variability and change are becoming ever more urgent. This engagingly written book, with its focus on fundamentals and hands-on learning exercises, is a great introduction to the ocean's role in climate and why it matters. It will serve as a valuable resource for students and research scientists interested in the processes that govern ocean-atmosphere interactions and their consequences for the climate system.' Michael J. McPhaden, University of Washington