42155 - Coastal Oceanography

Learning outcomes

At the end of the lecturing period students are acquainted with the theoretical and analytical concept neede to face the study of the coastal ocean dynamics. Particular emphasis is put on: Solid boundaries, Tides, land based mass input. In addition they acquire basic knowledge of the physical processes regulating biological and biogeochemical processes of the coastal ocean.

Course contents

Introduction (main characteristics of the coasta circulation).
The wind driven coastal circulation. Coastal upwellings.
The benthic boundary layer
Tides (theory)
The tides forcing on the coastal circulation.
Buoyancy effects on coastal circulation.
Marine coastal biogeochemical processes and physical dynamics.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes (powerpoint slides)and additional material provided by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Lecturing

Assessment methods

The assessment will be carried out by an oral exam: It is expected that the student discusses 3-4 topics from the couse syllabus.The first topic will be chosen by the student. The final score will be based on the student ability to approach in a formal way the problem treated and on his/her ability to discuss from a physical oceanograhy point of view the solution to the problem.

Teaching tools

Lecturing with powerpoint slides.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Zavatarelli