Henry Stommel: Oceanographer
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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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?

    <p>The concept of the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors drive the global ocean circulation system according to Stommel?

    <p>Variations in water temperature and salinity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which institution was central to Stommel's research career?

    <p>Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which field did Henry Stommel initially study?

    <p>Astronomy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prestigious award did Henry Stommel receive in 1989?

    <p>National Medal of Science (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Stommel transform the field of oceanography?

    <p>By elevating it to a major scientific discipline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these best summarizes Stommel's perspectives about scientific advancements and studies?

    <p>An expedition driven by curiosity and human intellect (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Henry Stommel

    US oceanographer known for advancing ocean current understanding.

    Fluid Dynamics

    Study of behavior in fluids; crucial for understanding ocean currents.

    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

    Research facility in Bermuda established by Stommel for seawater data collection.

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    Gulf Stream

    A powerful ocean current that transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

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    Global Ocean Circulation Theory

    A model explaining the large-scale movement of ocean waters driven by temperature and salinity differences.

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    Thermohaline Circulation

    Ocean circulation driven by differences in water temperature and salinity.

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    Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

    Concept depicting large-scale ocean currents driven by temperature and salinity variations.

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    National Medal of Science

    Award received by Stommel in 1989 for his contributions to ocean current physics.

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    Voyage of Science

    Stommel's belief that science is an exploration reflecting human creativity.

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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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    Description

    Explore the impactful career of Henry Stommel, a pioneering oceanographer who changed the field of ocean science. Discover his groundbreaking research on ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream, and his contributions to understanding large-scale ocean circulation. This quiz covers his early education, significant publications, and lasting legacy.

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