Chapter 7-Dynamical Processes for Descriptive Ocean Circulation

This chapter provides an overview of dynamical processes for descriptive ocean circulation. Water in the ocean at all time and space scales is subject to the same small set of forces and accelerations. What distinguishes one type of motion from another, for instance a surface wave from the Gulf Stream, is the relative importance of the different accelerations and forces within this small set. Motion of water in the ocean is driven by the sun, the moon, or tectonic processes. The sun's energy is transferred to the ocean through buoyancy fluxes (heat fluxes and water vapor fluxes)and through the winds. Tides create internal waves that break, creating turbulence and mixing. Earthquakes and turbidity currents create random, irregular waves including tsunamis. Geothermal processes heat the water very gradually with little effect on circulation. Concepts of density evolution, mixing layers, and direct wind response are explained in the chapter. Wind-driven circulation models of the gyre circulations are described. Details of equatorial and eastern boundary circulations and thermohaline forcing are also presented in the chapter.