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.