Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary focus of Henry Stommel's research?
What was the primary focus of Henry Stommel's research?
- The impact of pollution on marine life
- Marine biology and ecosystem dynamics
- Geological formations of the ocean floor
- Ocean currents and their underlying mechanisms (correct)
Which publication significantly explained the westward intensification of wind-driven ocean currents?
Which publication significantly explained the westward intensification of wind-driven ocean currents?
- Seawater Sampling and Analysis (1955)
- Fluid Dynamics of Ocean Currents (1950)
- The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt (1987)
- The westward intensification of wind-driven ocean currents (1948) (correct)
What role did the PANULIRUS research station play in Stommel's research?
What role did the PANULIRUS research station play in Stommel's research?
- Collected data on seawater properties (correct)
- Served as a base for deep-sea exploration
- Facilitated the study of marine ecosystems
- Developed advanced sonar technology
Which of Stommel's contributions explains the global movement of ocean waters?
Which of Stommel's contributions explains the global movement of ocean waters?
What factors drive the global ocean circulation system according to Stommel?
What factors drive the global ocean circulation system according to Stommel?
Which institution was central to Stommel's research career?
Which institution was central to Stommel's research career?
In which field did Henry Stommel initially study?
In which field did Henry Stommel initially study?
What prestigious award did Henry Stommel receive in 1989?
What prestigious award did Henry Stommel receive in 1989?
How did Stommel transform the field of oceanography?
How did Stommel transform the field of oceanography?
Which of these best summarizes Stommel's perspectives about scientific advancements and studies?
Which of these best summarizes Stommel's perspectives about scientific advancements and studies?
Flashcards
Henry Stommel
Henry Stommel
US oceanographer known for advancing ocean current understanding.
Fluid Dynamics
Fluid Dynamics
Study of behavior in fluids; crucial for understanding ocean currents.
Westward Intensification
Westward Intensification
The phenomenon where ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream, are stronger on the western side of ocean basins due to Earth's curvature.
PANULIRUS Research Station
PANULIRUS Research Station
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Gulf Stream
Gulf Stream
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Global Ocean Circulation Theory
Global Ocean Circulation Theory
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Thermohaline Circulation
Thermohaline Circulation
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Great Ocean Conveyor Belt
Great Ocean Conveyor Belt
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National Medal of Science
National Medal of Science
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Voyage of Science
Voyage of Science
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Study Notes
Henry Stommel: Oceanographer
- US oceanographer who combined intellectual sharpness with a passion for the sea, transforming his discipline into a major scientific field.
- Helped explain powerful ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream.
Stommel's Career and Research
- Studied astronomy at Yale University before joining the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in 1944.
- Held oceanography positions at Harvard and MIT, but later returned to WHOI.
- Published groundbreaking paper ("The westward intensification of wind-driven ocean currents") in 1948, demonstrating how fluid dynamics, Earth's curvature, and the Coriolis effect affect ocean currents.
- Developed elegant solution to explain the Gulf Stream's position and intensity.
- His work opened a new area of study: large-scale ocean circulation.
- Developed his ideas into a wide theory of global ocean circulation including thermohaline effects.
- His research explored and helped understand deeper ocean circulation, a conveyor belt of moving water looping through the world's oceans.
Key Discoveries and Contributions
- Created groundbreaking understanding of ocean dynamics by incorporating fluid dynamics, Earth's curvature, and Coriolis effect.
- Successfully explained the position and intensity of the Gulf Stream.
- His work included comprehensive work on thermohaline circulation (temperature and salinity effects).
- Overaawed two of the most successful global studies of ocean processes.
Recognition and Awards
- Received the United States National Medal of Science in 1989 for his pioneering work on the physics of ocean currents.
- Published the book 'The Gulf Stream' in 1958.
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