Ocean Dynamics

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This volume offers a concise introduction to fluid mechanics, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and key approximations in geophysical fluid dynamics, focusing on large-scale ocean circulation theory. Aimed at graduate students in theoretical physical oceanography, meteorology, and environmental physics, it includes an extensive bibliography, index, side notes, and further reading recommendations, making it valuable for researchers as well. The book is divided into four parts: fundamental laws, common approximations, ocean waves, and oceanic turbulence and eddies, along with selected aspects of ocean dynamics. Each section begins with basic concepts and progresses to more advanced fluid mechanics and theoretical oceanography topics. The final part addresses the global wind-driven circulation in both homogeneous and stratified regimes, as well as circulation and overturning in the Southern Ocean and global thermohaline-driven circulation. The text emphasizes simple physical models over extensive numerical results, facilitating understanding and reproduction of complex theories primarily through analytical methods. Detailed derivations of equations and models are complemented by numerous illustrations. An appendix provides insights into the mathematical background, covering vector analysis, statistics, and differential equations.