The theory of large-scale ocean circulation / R. M. Samelson.

"This is a concise but comprehensive introduction to the basic elements of the theory of large-scale ocean circulation for advanced students and researchers"-- Provided by publisher.

"Mounting evidence that human activities are substantially modifying the Earth's climate brings a new imperative to the study of the ocean's large-scale circulation. This textbook provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to the theory of large-scale ocean circulation, as it is currently understood and established. Students and instructors will benefit from the carefully chosen chapter-by-chapter exercises. This advanced textbook is invaluable for graduate students and researchers in the fields of oceanic, atmospheric, and climate sciences and other geophysical scientists, as well as physicists and mathematicians with a quantitative interest in the planetary fluid environment"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 187-189) and index.

Machine generated contents note: 1. Basic physical principles and equations; 2. Reduced equations for large-scale motion; 3. Planetary geostrophic vorticity dynamics; 4. Stratified large-scale flow; 5. Circulation in a simple rectangular basin; 6. Eddy-driven subsurface motion; 7. Circumpolar flow; 8. Mid-depth meridional overturning; 9. Thermohaline effects; 10. Theory and observation.