Rotating Hydraulics Nonlinear Topographic Effects in the Ocean and Atmosphere

About this book

The theory of rotating hydraulics is important in the study of certain types of swift oceanic and atmospheric flows. Applications include overflows in deep ocean passages such as the Faroe-Bank Channel, shallow exchange flows gaps such as the Strait of Gibraltar, and atmospheric flows such as in the California amarine layer and jet stream. Despite a 30-year history of development the subject is not covered in any of the standard graduate textbooks on geophysical fluid dynamics. This book thoroughly covers the development of the theory of rotating hydraulics, making frequent use of supporting laboratory models and observational data. The need to understand rotating hydraulic phenomena is growing as the general interest in climate and global circulation is continuously increasing. The book includes numerous exercises, making it a perfect textbook for graduate students in oceanography and meteorology. In addition, it identifies cutting-edge research and is of interest to more advanced researchers who seek specialized reference as well as engineering graduate studetns learning about hydraulics in general.

Contents

Introduction.- 1: The Hydraulics of non-rotating homogeneous flows.- 2: The Hydraulics of homogeneous flow in a rotating channel.- 3: Time dependence and Shock.- 4: Coastal Applications.- 5: Stratified Systems.- 6: potential Vorticity Hydraulics.- Appendices.

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Biography

Lawrence Pratt is currently a senior scientist in the Department of Physical Oceanography at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. His main research interests cover the dynamics of meandering currents, especially the Gulf Stream and other separated western boundary currents. John A. Whitehead is currently a senior scientist in the Department of Physical Oceanography at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.