ATM S 591 Winter 1998

The Ocean in Climate

Course Outline

• 1. Observations of the ocean: Surface and Interior.

• 2. Quantities at the surface: SST, SSS, and pCO2 .

• 3. Ocean processes that change SST, SSS, and pCO2
  Heat Transport: The role of circulation
  Mixed layers and communication with the interior.
  Biology and chemistry.

• 4. Atmospheric processes that change SST, SSS, and pCO2.
  Winds and Stresses.
  Heat fluxes at the surface
  Rainfall and Hydrology.

• 5. The coupled system.
  Mean climate.
  Natural variability.
  Anthropogenic modifications.

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