Waves , Winter 2022
Professor Jen MacKinnon
T/Th 9-10:20, Nierenberg Hall 101
Course Overview
The goal of SIO2111A is to give a broad introduction to a variety of waves in the ocean. We will methodically go through the appropriate derivations for each, but strive to understand each one in physically sensible and intuitive ways. Classes will primarily be lecture format, but with regularly interspersed active learning activities when possible. Most of the class is concerned with linear wave theory as it applies to the ocean. The emphasis is on gravity waves of various types but other waves will also be discussed. We will start with the shallow water equations to develop our understanding of the wave equation for one and then multiple layers, phase and group velocity, energetics, and wave propagation/evolution through inhomogeneous media. Subsequently the same analysis tools will be applied to other waves, including surface and internal gravity waves in a fully stratified ocean, Rossby and Kelvin waves, and potentially acoustic waves.
Schedule
1/4: Introduction, springs as simple oscillators, start to shallow water equations (SWE)
1/6: Shallow water equations continued, wave-like solutions
1/11: SWE continued, phase velocity, kinematics
1/13: SWE continued, group velocity
1/18: SWE: energetics, energy flux, reflection at walls
1/20: Reflection at boundaries continued
1/25: Surface gravity waves, the complicated version
1/27: Introduction to 2-layer SWE waves
2/1: Continued 2-layer wave solutions
2/3: Mid-term
2/8: Adding rotation - changes to dispersion relation, kinematics, propagation
2/10: Continuous stratification part I
2/15: Continuous stratification part II: vertically propagating and vertical mode solutions
2/17: Internal waves around the world.
2/22: Geostrophy and Kelvin wave introduction
2/24: Kelvin waves and Tides
3/1: Potential vorticity, Rossby waves part I
3/3: tbd, catch up
3/8: Class project presentations
3/10: Class project presentations
Final exam during finals week tbd (likely take home)
Office hours: I’m generally around, just contact me and we can find a good time to talk.
HOMEWORK
The homework will involve a combination of traditional analytical assignments with reading of research papers. Homework will be posted here as it is assigned.
GRADING
Grades will be based on a combination of daily quizzes (10%), homework (25%), mid-term (25%), in class project presentation (15%) , and final exam (25%).
Additional Reference material (clickable links). There is also material in the google drive.