Objectives and Content
Objectives:
The course aims to give a basic introduction to tidal dynamics and analysis of observed variations in sea surface height and tidal currents, quantification of the magnitude of and dissemination of processes related to sources and sinks of tidal energy, and analysis of variations and changes in global and regional sea level.
The course provides an understanding of the underlying causes for ocean tides and variations in sea level, and by that providing the knowledge basis for how tides and sea level changes affects coastal areas and infrastructures.
Content:
The course covers topics such as classical ocean tidal mechanics, analysis and prediction of tides, tidal dynamics in general and for coastal areas in particular, input and extraction of tidal energy, physical processes related to tidal variations, storm surge, tsunami, and variations and changes in global and regional sea level.
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Meteorology and Oceanography, Bachelor's degree in Climate, Atmosphere and Ocean Physics or equivalent.
GEOF346 is based on application of calculus, a general understanding of ocean dynamics and programming. Thus, candidates attending the course should have knowledge corresponding to courses in multivariable calculus (functions of several variables), introduction to ocean dynamics and basic ocean wave dynamics (particularly Kelvin waves), and basic programming in python, Matlab, etc.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
GEOF110 in addition to GEOF105
GEOF346 is based on application of calculus, a general understanding of ocean dynamics and programming. Thus, candidates attending the course should have knowledge corresponding to courses in multivariable caclulus (functions of several variables), introduction to ocean dynamics and basic ocean wave dynamics (particularly Kelvin waves), and basic programming in python, Matlab, etc.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- has a thorough knowledge about the causes and properties of the tides
- can discuss and compute tidal elevations in the open sea, in narrow and open bays and in marginal seas
- can analyse storm surge and tsunami
- can discuss the role of tidal mixing and energy dissipation in open and (semi)closed ocean basins
- knows the development of the fields of ocean tides and variations in sea level
- knows the theory for extraction of tidal energy
- has a thorough knowledge about variations and changes in sea level geographically (global, regional and local) and in time
Skills
The student
- can master the derivation of the leading, harmonic components to calculate, analyse and predict ocean tides
- can use the equilibrium theory to quantify changes in the sea surface height and the associated ocean currents for different configurations of the orbital parameters
- can explain and discuss the various factors influencing local and global sea level on different time scales, and the underlying causes for these variations
- can explain and discuss key concepts for ocean tides and non-tidal variations in the sea level
General competence
The student
- is able to explain and apply mathematical concepts and apply mathematical formalism on different geophysical problems
- is able to conduct and present analysis of ocean observations
- is able to write and present an assignment in accordance with good scientific practice
- is able to reflect on central ethical and scientific issues in the fields of oceanography, climate and renewable energy
Files/Documents
ISCED Categories
