Polar Oceanography

Aim and Content

Circulation and dynamics of the polar oceans, including the Norwegian- and Greenland Sea will be covered. The topics will be discussed with respect to climatic variations and compared for the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Important processes related to thermodynamics of cold sea water, theories for mixing, boundary layers processes and sea ice formation and heat budgets for the Arctic and Antarctic will be covered along with models for dense water formation and climate variations.

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the subject, the student should be able to:

- Describe and understand the most important features of ocean circulation in the two polar regions

- Discuss the most important processes regarding exchange between ocean, sea ice and the atmosphere

plus formation of sea ice and vertical mixing.

- Describe sea ice formation and effects on dense water formation and vertical mixing

- Describe the role of the two polar regions in the circulation of deep water in the global ocean

- Discuss the role of the polar oceans in global climate change

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

Bachelor's degree in Meteorology and Oceanography.

Recommended previous knowledge

GEOF310 Turbulence in the Atmospheric and Ocean Boundary Layer.

Subject Overlap

GEOF335: 10 ECTS.

Teaching Methods

4 hours per week, 2 days with 2 hours each

Lectures and exercises will vary through the semester

Compulsory Requirements

Excersices.

Assessment methods

Oral exam. The mandatory excersices will be included in the examination. No auxiliary material allowed for the exam.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Place of Teaching

Bergen.

Contact Information

studierettleiar@gfi.uib.no