OCN121 Physical Oceanography Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant advancement in oceanography that occurred in 1955?

Introduction of the theory of the wind-driven ocean

Development of full-depth profiles of ocean density (correct)

Launch of SeaSat for global measurements

Invention of the first numerical ocean model

What is the primary cause of the global abyssal circulation?

Wind-driven surface currents

Deep convection and sinking of surface waters (correct)

Upwelling through the euphotic zone

Geological formations on the ocean floor

What is the main goal of studying physical oceanography?

To understand the fluid motions of the ocean and make predictions (correct)

To exclusively measure water temperature variations

To document marine wildlife and their behaviors

To analyze geological formations beneath the ocean

When was the launch of SeaSat, and what was its purpose?

1978, to monitor SST, waves, sea ice, wind speed and direction Signup and view all the answers

What concept significantly advanced the study of ocean density profiles in 1955?

Invention of the CTD Signup and view all the answers

What does CTD stand for in the context of oceanography?

Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is NOT commonly studied within physical oceanography?

Marine biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Who were the pioneers associated with the theory of the wind-driven ocean?

Sverdrup, Stommel, and Munk Signup and view all the answers

What were the measurements taken by SeaSat originally restricted to?

Surface phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which year marked the launch of SeaSat, enhancing global ocean monitoring?

1978 Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of comprehensive ocean measurements?

The launch of SeaSat Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major theories developed in oceanography during the 1950s?

Theory of the wind-driven ocean Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a feature of the shipboard CTD system?

It functions independently of any computer systems Signup and view all the answers

The first numerical ocean model was developed by which researchers?

Bryan and Cox Signup and view all the answers

Which type of currents is influenced by wind as per the studies in physical oceanography?

Surface currents Signup and view all the answers

What does coupled ocean-atmosphere dynamics primarily relate to?

Weather and climate predictions Signup and view all the answers

What significant oceanographic advancement occurred in 1992 related to satellite tracking?

The introduction of the ALACE pop-up float. Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument was launched in 1992 to measure various ocean metrics?

TOPEX-Poseidon. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the global drifter and ARGO arrays reaching density circa 2004?

It initiated a new era of global ocean observation. Signup and view all the answers

What significant measurement became possible in 1980, contributing to ocean velocity assessment?

Direct measurements from moving ships. Signup and view all the answers

What does the TOPEX-Poseidon satellite specifically measure among its functions?

Sea surface height. Signup and view all the answers

What type of measurements started to see full depth profiles after 1990?

Ocean velocity measurements. Signup and view all the answers

Which event signifies an important development in understanding sea level rise?

The launch of the TOPEX-Poseidon satellite. Signup and view all the answers

What was the technological advancement that allowed for direct measurements of ocean velocity from ships?

Invention of the acoustic current meter. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant contribution of the CTD, invented in 1955?

It allowed for full-depth profiles of ocean density. Signup and view all the answers

Which year marked the launch of SeaSat, the satellite that provided measurements with global coverage?

1978 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of NASA's SEASAT launched in 1978?

To test various oceanographic sensors. Signup and view all the answers

Which major oceanographic theory emerged in 1950?

The theory of the wind-driven ocean. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant development in oceanography in 1980?

The invention of the acoustic current meter. Signup and view all the answers

How has oceanography evolved since 1942?

Numerical ocean models and sensors were established after 1942. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of deep circulation, proposed in 1958, describe?

The overall density and flow characteristics of deep ocean water. Signup and view all the answers

Which scientific contribution is directly associated with Bryan and Cox?

Creating the first numerical ocean model. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in ocean observation occurred around 2004?

Introduction of ARGO arrays and global drifter technology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ocean variability is true?

Only the time-average circulation of the ocean can be described well. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the ocean play in the Earth's climate system?

It stores heat energy and regulates climate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a climate mode associated with ocean-atmosphere feedbacks?

Arctic Oscillation (AO) Signup and view all the answers

Why are large data sets from satellites, floats, and moorings becoming more important in oceanography?

They offer more accurate and comprehensive data than ships. Signup and view all the answers

How much of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

70% Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated volume of water contained in the world's oceans?

1.37 billion km³ Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a service provided by the ocean?

Habitat for marine organisms and source of food. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Physical Oceanography

Focuses on fluid motions of the ocean to understand processes across various time and spatial scales.
Aims to simulate oceanic processes and make accurate predictions.

Key Areas of Study in Physical Oceanography

Waves: Surface and internal waves, large-scale waves affected by Earth's rotation.
Air-Sea Exchanges: Interaction processes between the atmosphere and ocean.
Turbulence and Mixing: The role of eddies on a large scale.
Acoustics: Understanding sound propagation in the ocean.
General Circulation: Study of ocean currents and their changes.
Heating and Cooling: Impact on ocean dynamics.
Coupled Dynamics: Interaction between ocean and atmosphere affecting weather and climate.
Current Types: Includes wave and wind-induced currents, tides, tsunamis, and storm surges.

Historical Context of Oceanography

Oceanography is a relatively young science, with foundational knowledge encapsulated in The Ocean (1942).
Development of the wind-driven ocean theory (1950) and deep circulation theory (1958), which continues to evolve.
Invention of the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) in 1955 allowed full-depth profiles of ocean density, facilitating analyses of water mass and flow.

Technological Advancements

First numerical ocean model developed by Bryan and Cox in 1969.
Launch of SeaSat in 1978 enabled global measurement of sea surface temperature, waves, ice, and wind parameters.
Acoustic current meters developed in 1980 allowed direct measurements of ocean velocity.
The TOPEX-Poseidon satellite, launched in 1992, significantly contributed to understanding sea surface height and ocean dynamics.

Global Ocean Observations

Establishment of ARGO arrays around 2004 marked a new era in global ocean observation.
ALACE floats (1992) allowed satellite tracking and profiling, enhancing data acquisition.

Importance of Observations

Observations are critical for understanding ocean behavior, although complexity and lack of data pose challenges.
Increasing reliance on satellite data rather than ship-based observations for oceanography studies.

Roles of the Ocean in Climate

Integral to Earth's climate system and plays a crucial role in regulating climate.
Influences various climate modes through ocean-atmosphere feedbacks: ENSO, NAO, PDO, IOD, SAM.

Overview of the Global Ocean

Covers 70% of Earth’s surface, approximately 139 million square miles (361 million km²).
Holds a volume of around 1.37 billion km³ of water.
Provides vital ocean services: heat energy storage, climate regulation, navigation, transportation, recreation, and marine habitat.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of physical oceanography in this quiz. Delve into the study of fluid motions in the ocean, including surface waves, air-sea interactions, and the effects of turbulence. Enhance your understanding of large-scale oceanic processes and their significance.